In Minecraft, the Nether is a dangerous yet fascinating dimension filled with exclusive resources, terrifying mobs, and challenging terrain. To access this fiery realm, players need to build a Nether portal using obsidian, one of the hardest blocks in the game. Many players, especially beginners, wonder exactly how many obsidian blocks are required to construct a functioning Nether portal. The answer depends on whether you want to build a full-sized portal or use the minimum number of obsidian blocks possible. Understanding the requirements and alternatives is essential for efficient resource use, especially during survival gameplay.
Basic Requirements for a Nether Portal
Standard Nether Portal Dimensions
A Nether portal is formed by creating a rectangular frame of obsidian blocks. The standard size for a portal frame is 4 blocks tall and 5 blocks wide, forming an interior space of 2 blocks wide by 3 blocks tall. However, only the corners of the frame are optional. This allows you to reduce the number of obsidian blocks required while still creating a functional portal.
Minimum Obsidian Blocks Needed
Using the corner-skipping trick, players can build a working Nether portal with just10 obsidian blocks. This is achieved by creating the frame without the four corner blocks. Despite their absence, the portal will still activate and function normally.
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum configuration:
- 2 obsidian blocks for the bottom
- 2 obsidian blocks for the top
- 3 obsidian blocks for each side (6 in total)
Total: 2 + 2 + 6 = 10 obsidian blocks.
Full Frame Requirement
If you prefer the full aesthetic appearance of a complete portal, or simply want symmetry, you’ll need14 obsidian blocksto include all four corners:
- 4 obsidian blocks for the bottom and top
- 5 obsidian blocks for each side (10 in total)
Total: 4 + 10 = 14 obsidian blocks.
Collecting Obsidian in Minecraft
How to Mine Obsidian
To mine obsidian, players need a diamond pickaxe or a netherite pickaxe. Attempting to break obsidian with anything else will either take forever or destroy the block without dropping it. Obsidian is commonly formed when water comes into contact with lava source blocks, which can be found deep underground or in lava lakes.
Tips for Gathering Obsidian Safely
- Always carry a bucket of water to turn lava into obsidian and to extinguish yourself in case you catch fire.
- Dig underneath the obsidian blocks before mining to ensure there’s no lava hiding underneath.
- Bring extra food and armor in case of mob encounters in caves.
Creative Ways to Build a Nether Portal
Using Lava and Water Buckets
If you don’t have a diamond pickaxe yet, you can still construct a Nether portal by strategically placing lava and water to form obsidian directly in the correct shape. This method is slower and requires careful planning, but it’s perfect for early-game players who don’t have strong tools yet.
Speedrunning Tactic
In Minecraft speedrunning, players often build a Nether portal by creating a mold using dirt or other cheap blocks. They then pour lava and water into the mold to form obsidian in place. This avoids the need for a pickaxe altogether and is much faster when executed correctly.
Activating the Nether Portal
How to Light the Portal
Once the obsidian frame is complete, it must be lit using flint and steel or another fire-producing method. Simply ignite one of the inner bottom blocks, and the portal will turn purple and become usable. Stepping into the portal for a few seconds will transport the player to the Nether.
Alternative Lighting Methods
If flint and steel are not available, here are a few other methods to light your portal:
- Use a fire charge
- Light a fire using lava and flammable blocks like wood near the portal
- Use a ghast’s fireball (more difficult and dangerous)
Portals of Different Sizes
Custom Portal Sizes
While the minimum size of a Nether portal is 4×5 blocks (including the frame), the game allows players to build much larger portals. The maximum size for a Nether portal is 23 blocks high by 23 blocks wide, creating an enormous entrance to the Nether. This allows players to create visually impressive or functionally large portals for multiple players or animals.
Obsidian Requirement for Large Portals
If you’re planning to build a portal larger than the minimum size, calculate the number of blocks needed using the perimeter formula:
- Width + Height, then multiply by 2
- Subtract the 4 corners if you plan to leave them out
For example, a 5×7 frame would require:
- (5 + 7) x 2 = 24 obsidian blocks
- Minus 4 if corners are excluded = 20 obsidian blocks
Efficient Nether Portal Placement
Linking Portals in the Overworld and Nether
Each block traveled in the Nether is equivalent to 8 blocks in the Overworld. By strategically placing your Nether portal, you can fast-travel large distances in the main world. To do this properly, you must calculate coordinates carefully to ensure your Overworld and Nether portals are linked correctly and don’t lead to random locations.
Portal Rooms and Bases
Players often build rooms around their Nether portals to protect themselves from hostile mobs and to create a central hub for traveling between dimensions. Using obsidian, stone bricks, or blast-resistant materials can help ensure safety upon arrival.
What to Do After Entering the Nether
Prepare Before You Enter
Before stepping into your portal, make sure you’re ready for the challenges of the Nether:
- Bring gold armor to avoid aggression from piglins
- Carry blocks for building bridges or barriers
- Bring plenty of food and tools
Mark Your Exit Portal
It’s easy to get lost in the Nether, so marking your portal’s location with torches, cobblestone paths, or coordinates written down can prevent you from wandering aimlessly.
To summarize, the number of obsidian blocks needed for a Nether portal in Minecraft ranges from 10 (minimum) to 14 (full frame). Whether you’re speedrunning or creating a massive portal hub, understanding how many obsidian blocks to gather and how to use them effectively is crucial for success. With the right strategy and preparation, entering the Nether can open up endless new opportunities for exploration, resource gathering, and adventure.