How to Make a Nether Portal in Minecraft

Materials Needed

To create a Nether portal in Minecraft, you will need the following materials:

Diamond Pickaxe: You will need a diamond pickaxe to mine the obsidian blocks necessary for building the portal. If you don’t have one, you can craft it using three diamonds and two sticks.
Obsidian Blocks: In total, you will need 10 obsidian blocks to construct the Nether portal. Obsidian can be found by mining it with a diamond pickaxe, but it takes a bit of time to gather enough.
Flint and Steel: To activate the portal, you will need a flint and steel. Flint can be obtained by mining gravel, and steel can be created by combining one iron ingot and one flint in a crafting table.

These are the essential materials you need to make a Nether portal. Once you have gathered them, you can move on to the next steps of the process.

Step 1: Gather Obsidian Blocks

The first step in creating a Nether portal is to gather enough obsidian blocks.

Obsidian can only be mined with a diamond pickaxe, so make sure you have one in your inventory. If you don’t have a diamond pickaxe yet, you can craft one using three diamonds and two sticks.

To find obsidian, you need to look for naturally generated lava pools or underground lava lakes. When you locate a lava source, follow these steps to mine the obsidian:

Clear any flammable blocks or items around the lava to prevent accidents.
Stand next to the lava and equip your diamond pickaxe.
Select the diamond pickaxe from your hotbar and start mining the obsidian blocks.
Remember that obsidian can only be mined with a diamond pickaxe, and it takes a few seconds to break each block. Be patient and ensure you have enough durability on your pickaxe.
Each Nether portal requires a total of 10 obsidian blocks, so gather enough until you reach this number.
Once you have collected the necessary obsidian blocks, move on to the next step of constructing the portal.

Gathering obsidian blocks may take some time and effort, but it is a crucial step in creating a Nether portal. Take caution while mining around lava and ensure your inventory is clear of any valuable items that could be destroyed by the heat.

Step 2: Create an Obsidian Frame

Now that you have collected the required obsidian blocks, it’s time to create the frame for your Nether portal.

To construct the portal, follow these steps:

Choose a suitable location for your Nether portal. It should be a clear area with enough space for the frame.
Start by arranging four obsidian blocks in a rectangular shape. This will be the bottom part of the portal.
Add four more obsidian blocks, one on each corner of the rectangular shape, to create the sides.
Finally, place the last two obsidian blocks on top of the sides, completing the frame.

Ensure that the frame is free from any gaps or holes. The obsidian blocks should form a solid structure, with no missing or misplaced blocks.

It’s important to note that the orientation of the obsidian blocks doesn’t matter as long as you have a correctly shaped frame. You can create the portal horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference.

Once you have built the obsidian frame, you’re one step closer to entering the Nether. However, don’t forget that the portal still needs to be activated before it can transport you!

Step 3: Light the Portal

Now that you have constructed the obsidian frame for the Nether portal, it’s time to light it up and activate the portal.

To do this, you will need a flint and steel in your inventory. If you don’t have one, you can craft it by combining one iron ingot and one flint in a crafting table.

Follow these steps to light the portal:

Select the flint and steel from your hotbar.
Stand in front of the portal and right-click on one of the obsidian blocks in the frame with the flint and steel.
You will see a spark and a flame will appear on the selected obsidian block.
Once the flame spreads to the other obsidian blocks in the frame, the portal will be fully activated.

Double-check that the entire frame is engulfed in the fire to ensure the portal’s proper functioning.

Now that the portal is lit, you are ready to step into the Nether and discover its mysterious world. Prepare yourself for an exciting adventure with new challenges and unique resources!

Note: It’s essential to exercise caution when entering the Nether, as it is a dangerous realm with formidable mobs and hazardous environments. Make sure you are well-equipped and ready for the challenges that await.

Step 4: Enter the Nether

With the Nether portal activated, it’s time to take the leap and step into the Nether itself.

To enter the Nether, follow these steps:

Position yourself in front of the portal.
Take a deep breath and muster up your courage.
Simply walk or run straight into the portal.

As you step through the portal, you will be transported to the Nether, a dangerous dimension filled with unique biomes, hostile creatures, and valuable resources.

Once you enter the Nether, remember that it is a distinct world with its own set of rules. The environment is harsh and unforgiving, so be prepared for intense battles and challenging terrain. Keep a close eye on your health and ensure you have enough supplies to sustain yourself.

It’s also worth noting that time functions differently in the Nether. One block traversed in the Nether is equivalent to eight blocks in the Overworld. This can be beneficial for quick travel, but it also means you need to plan your movements carefully.

Now that you have successfully entered the Nether, it’s time to explore and conquer its unique challenges and discover the riches it holds. Be brave, stay vigilant, and make the most out of your journey!

Step 5: Navigating the Nether

Once you have entered the Nether, you will need to navigate through its treacherous landscapes and unfamiliar terrain. Here are some tips to help you successfully navigate the Nether:

Keep track of your coordinates: The Nether can be disorienting, and it’s easy to get lost. Take note of your coordinates and keep track of your path to ensure you can find your way back.
Build landmarks: Create landmarks using unique blocks or structures to mark significant locations. This will serve as a visual guide to help you find your way back or navigate to specific points of interest.
Beware of hostile mobs: The Nether is home to dangerous mobs, such as zombie pigmen, ghasts, and blaze. Be prepared to defend yourself and have weapons and armor at the ready.
Utilize bridges and tunnels: To cross vast lava lakes or treacherous terrain, consider building bridges or digging tunnels. This will provide safer passage and protect you from falling into lava or encountering hostile mobs.
Collect Nether resources: While exploring, keep an eye out for valuable Nether resources such as Netherrack, Nether Quartz, and Glowstone. These resources can be used for crafting and building in the Overworld.
Use the Nether Fortress: Nether Fortresses are structures that generate in the Nether and contain valuable loot, including Nether Wart, Blaze Rods, and Wither Skeleton Skulls. Explore these fortresses but be cautious of the enemy mobs that dwell within.
Stay equipped: Make sure to carry essential supplies like food, weapons, armor, and tools in your inventory. The Nether can be unforgiving, and being well-prepared is crucial for survival.

Navigating the Nether requires careful planning and constant vigilance. Take your time to explore, gather resources, and uncover the secrets hidden within this perilous dimension. Good luck!

Step 6: Exiting the Nether

When you’re ready to leave the Nether and return to the Overworld, follow these steps to safely exit:

Locate your portal: Find the Nether portal you originally entered from. Keep in mind that the coordinates of the portal in the Nether correspond to different coordinates in the Overworld, so it may not be directly above or below the original portal.
Re-enter the portal: Stand in front of the Nether portal and step into it. You will be transported back to the Overworld.
Double-check your surroundings: Once you’re back in the Overworld, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Ensure you are in a safe location and away from any immediate threats.
Remember your coordinates: Take note of your new coordinates in the Overworld to ensure you can locate your portal or navigate back to your desired location.

Exiting the Nether can be a relief, but it’s important to remain cautious even after returning to the Overworld. Hostile mobs may be waiting for you, so stay alert and be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.

Remember, the Nether can be a challenging and dangerous place, but it also offers valuable resources and unique adventures. Plan your trips accordingly, gather what you need, and always prioritize your safety and survival.

By following these steps, you can navigate the Nether effectively and ensure a successful journey in and out of this otherworldly dimension.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your Nether portal experience in Minecraft:

Bring supplies: Before entering the Nether, make sure you have enough food, weapons, armor, and tools. The Nether can be unforgiving, so being well-prepared is essential.
Start small: If it’s your first time exploring the Nether, consider setting up a small base near your portal. This way, you’ll have a safe spot to retreat to if needed.
Create a safe pathway: To ensure a secure route to your Nether portal, you can build a protected pathway using blocks like cobblestone or netherrack. This will help prevent unexpected surprises or hazards.
Use coordinates: Keep track of your coordinates in both the Overworld and the Nether. This will help you navigate back to your portal and locate important landmarks or structures.
Trade with Piglins: Piglins are neutral mobs found in the Nether that can be bartered with. Throw gold ingots near them, and they might give you valuable items like fire resistance potions, quartz, or even rare items like Netherite scraps.
Consider building a secondary portal: You can create multiple Nether portals in the Overworld to connect different locations in the Nether. This can save you travel time and make exploration more efficient.
Use fire resistance potions: Fire resistance potions can protect you from the damaging effects of lava and fire in the Nether. Consider brewing and carrying these potions for added safety.
Travel at night: If you’re looking for mobs like Wither Skeletons or Blazes in Nether Fortresses, consider exploring the Nether during nighttime in the Overworld. The spawn rates of these mobs tend to increase during that time.
Explore biomes: The Nether has various unique biomes, each with its own resources and challenges. Make sure to explore different biomes to discover hidden treasure and diverse landscapes.

By following these tips and tricks, you can navigate the Nether more effectively and make the most out of your adventures in this challenging and rewarding dimension.