Exploring different dimensions is one of the most exciting parts of playing Minecraft. One of the first major milestones in a player’s journey is getting to the Nether. This fiery, dangerous realm is full of unique resources, hostile mobs, and critical materials needed to advance further in the game. Whether you are playing survival mode or simply trying to explore all Minecraft has to offer, learning how to get to the Nether is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to reach the Nether in Minecraft, including the required materials, steps to build a Nether portal, and what to expect once you get there.
What Is the Nether in Minecraft?
The Nether is an alternate dimension in Minecraft that resembles a hellish underworld. It is filled with lava lakes, fortress structures, unique biomes, and dangerous mobs like Ghasts, Blazes, and Piglins. While it may look threatening, the Nether is home to important materials such as Nether Quartz, Glowstone, and Netherite, making it a vital destination for progressing through the game.
Why You Should Go to the Nether
Accessing the Nether is not just about exploration. There are several practical reasons why players choose to enter this dangerous realm:
- Find Blaze Rods: Needed for brewing potions and progressing to the End dimension.
- Gather Nether Wart: Essential for potion-making.
- Collect Quartz and Glowstone: Useful for redstone builds and lighting.
- Locate Bastions and Fortresses: These structures contain valuable loot and rare blocks.
- Access Ancient Debris: Required to craft Netherite gear.
Required Materials to Enter the Nether
To enter the Nether, you’ll need to build a Nether portal. This portal is made of obsidian blocks and activated with flint and steel. Here is what you will need:
- Obsidian: At least 10 blocks (but 14 is recommended for a full rectangular frame).
- Flint and Steel: Used to ignite the portal.
- Pickaxe: A diamond or netherite pickaxe is required to mine obsidian.
- Water Bucket: Useful for creating obsidian by combining water with lava.
- Lava Source Blocks: Needed to generate obsidian when poured water is used.
How to Gather Obsidian
Obsidian forms when water touches a lava source block. To mine obsidian, follow these steps:
- Find a lava pool, usually found deep underground or on the surface in some biomes.
- Pour water onto the lava using a water bucket. This turns the top layer into obsidian.
- Use a diamond or netherite pickaxe to mine the obsidian blocks. Each block takes around 9.4 seconds to mine with a diamond pickaxe.
Crafting Flint and Steel
Flint and steel is crafted using one iron ingot and one flint. You can find flint by breaking gravel blocks. Iron ingots can be smelted from iron ore in a furnace. Simply place the flint and iron ingot on a crafting table to create the tool.
Building and Activating a Nether Portal
Once you have at least 10 obsidian blocks and flint and steel, it’s time to build the portal.
Portal Dimensions and Shape
A basic Nether portal is a rectangle that is at least 4 blocks tall and 5 blocks wide, including the corners. However, the minimum usable portal uses 10 obsidian blocks in this layout:
- 2 blocks wide (interior) and 3 blocks tall (interior).
- Leave the corners out to save resources.
Step-by-Step Portal Construction
- Place 2 obsidian blocks on the ground, side by side.
- Add 3 obsidian blocks upward on each side to form vertical pillars.
- Connect the top with 2 more obsidian blocks, forming a rectangle.
- Use flint and steel to light the inside of the portal. A purple swirling pattern will appear when activated successfully.
Entering the Nether
After lighting the portal, step into the purple area. You will stand still for a few seconds, then be transported to the Nether. The location you arrive in will depend on the coordinates of your Overworld portal. It’s a good idea to write down your original Overworld coordinates so you can return safely.
Preparing for the Journey
The Nether is not a safe place. Before entering, make sure to prepare by bringing essential supplies:
- Weapons and Armor: Preferably enchanted iron or diamond gear.
- Food: Enough to heal and keep your hunger bar full.
- Blocks: For building bridges and structures.
- Gold Armor: At least one piece to avoid being attacked by Piglins.
- Potion of Fire Resistance: If available, helpful against lava damage.
- Shield: For blocking Ghast fireballs and other attacks.
What to Expect in the Nether
Upon arrival, you’ll notice the Nether is a very different environment. The sky is red, the terrain is harsh, and dangerous mobs roam the land. Here are a few of the things you can find:
- Nether Fortresses: Massive structures with Blaze spawners and loot chests.
- Bastion Remnants: Large Piglin-filled structures with valuable resources.
- Nether Biomes: Including Crimson Forest, Warped Forest, Basalt Deltas, and Soul Sand Valley.
- Lava Lakes: Huge lakes that can block paths or cause instant death.
- Nether Quartz and Glowstone: Useful crafting and building materials.
Returning to the Overworld
To return from the Nether, simply go back through the portal you entered. If the portal was destroyed or moved, you can build another one inside the Nether using obsidian and flint and steel. When exiting through a portal, Minecraft tries to match your Nether location to a corresponding location in the Overworld, so having accurate coordinates helps you avoid getting lost.
Linking Portals with Coordinates
Portals in the Nether and Overworld are linked using a coordinate conversion. Every block in the Nether is equal to eight blocks in the Overworld. This makes the Nether useful for fast travel. If you want to build linked portals, multiply your Nether coordinates by 8 to find where to build in the Overworld.
Getting to the Nether in Minecraft is a crucial part of the game’s progression. By collecting obsidian, building a portal, and preparing carefully, you can explore this dangerous but rewarding dimension. The Nether offers unique biomes, valuable resources, and important gameplay opportunities. Whether you’re hunting Blaze Rods, looking for Netherite, or simply exploring new terrain, the journey to the Nether is one that every Minecraft player should experience. With the right tools and knowledge, stepping into this fiery world can be both safe and exciting.