Exploring the Nether is one of the most exciting aspects of Minecraft, offering players access to unique resources, mobs, and structures. To reach the Nether, you must first build a Nether portal. This magical gateway opens the door to a fiery dimension filled with both danger and opportunity. Constructing a Nether portal is a fundamental skill in Minecraft, whether you’re looking to gather blaze rods, find Netherite, or reach the endgame. Learning how to make a Nether portal efficiently will prepare you for survival, adventure, and progress across dimensions.
Understanding the Nether Portal
What Is a Nether Portal?
A Nether portal is a rectangular frame made of obsidian blocks that, when activated with flint and steel, creates a shimmering purple doorway. This portal serves as a bridge between the Overworld and the Nether dimension. You can enter and exit through it repeatedly, and even create linked portals for fast travel between distant locations in the Overworld.
Basic Requirements for a Nether Portal
Before you can create a Nether portal, you’ll need a few key items:
- Obsidian: At least 10 blocks are required for a minimal portal frame.
- Flint and Steel: Used to ignite the portal.
- Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe: Needed to mine obsidian (unless using a bucket method).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Nether Portal
Step 1: Gather Obsidian
Obsidian is created when water meets a lava source block. To gather obsidian:
- Find a pool of lava deep underground or on the surface.
- Pour water onto the lava source blocks using a bucket.
- Mine the obsidian blocks with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Any other pickaxe will not drop the block.
You need a minimum of 10 obsidian blocks if you’re building a portal without the corners. If you want to include corners, you’ll need 14 blocks total.
Step 2: Build the Frame
The frame of a Nether portal must be at least 4 blocks tall and 5 blocks wide, including the corners. However, the usable inner space is 2 blocks wide and 3 blocks tall. Here’s how to build the minimal portal using 10 obsidian blocks:
- Place 2 obsidian blocks vertically for the base.
- Stack 3 blocks high on each side (without using corners).
- Place 2 blocks across the top to connect both sides.
Adding decorative blocks or additional obsidian to the corners is optional and doesn’t affect the function of the portal.
Step 3: Light the Portal
After the frame is built, you must ignite the portal to activate it. To craft flint and steel, combine:
- 1 Iron Ingot
- 1 Flint (obtained from gravel)
Use the flint and steel to light one of the bottom inside blocks of the portal frame. Once activated, the portal will glow with a purple interior, indicating it’s ready to use.
Step 4: Enter the Nether
To use the portal, simply walk into the purple glow. After a brief loading screen, you’ll be transported into the Nether dimension. Be cautious: the Nether is filled with lava lakes, aggressive mobs, and limited resources. It’s recommended to come prepared with armor, weapons, and building blocks.
Alternative Methods for Building a Nether Portal
Using Lava and Water Buckets (No Pickaxe)
If you don’t have a diamond pickaxe, you can still build a Nether portal using lava and water buckets. This method requires more patience and precision. Here’s how it works:
- Dig a trench in the shape of the portal frame.
- Place lava source blocks one by one into the frame’s positions.
- Immediately pour water over the lava to turn it into obsidian.
- Repeat the process until the full frame is formed.
This bucket method is popular in speedrunning and early-game playthroughs where diamond tools aren’t yet available.
Linking Portals Between Dimensions
Understanding Portal Coordinates
When you enter the Nether through a portal, the game generates a corresponding portal at a related location in the Nether. The Nether operates at a 1:8 coordinate ratio, meaning:
- 1 block traveled in the Nether = 8 blocks in the Overworld
This allows players to create fast travel networks. For example, building a portal 1000 blocks away in the Overworld will only require traveling 125 blocks in the Nether.
Manually Linking Portals
If you want to control portal placement between the Overworld and the Nether:
- Find your current Overworld coordinates.
- Divide the X and Z coordinates by 8.
- Travel to that location in the Nether and build a portal there.
This ensures the portals connect properly and prevent the game from generating random ones nearby.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using the Wrong Pickaxe for Obsidian
Trying to mine obsidian with anything other than a diamond or netherite pickaxe will not work. The block will take time to break, but it won’t drop anything.
Incorrect Frame Size
Building a frame smaller than 2×3 inside won’t work. The portal must have a clear 2-block width and 3-block height. Avoid wasting obsidian on a structure that doesn’t meet this size requirement.
Forgetting Flint and Steel
Many players create the portal frame only to realize they don’t have a way to light it. Always bring flint and steel or an alternative fire source when planning a trip to the Nether.
Advanced Tips for Portal Use
Creating Portal Hubs
In multiplayer servers or advanced survival worlds, many players build portal hubs. These are centralized locations where multiple Nether portals connect to different parts of the Overworld. This makes travel faster and keeps things organized.
Protecting the Portal
In the Nether, Ghasts can shoot fireballs that may damage or extinguish your portal. Consider building a protective structure around it using blast-resistant materials like cobblestone. Carry an extra flint and steel in case your portal gets disabled while you’re in the Nether.
Bed and Spawn Tips
You cannot sleep in the Nether. Attempting to use a bed will cause an explosion. Always set your spawn point in the Overworld before entering the Nether to avoid long treks back to your base if you die.
Exploring the Nether After Activation
What to Bring
Before stepping into the Nether, make sure you have:
- Full armor (preferably iron or better)
- Sword or bow for defense
- Pickaxe and building blocks
- Food and potions (fire resistance is helpful)
- Extra obsidian and flint and steel
Resources Found in the Nether
Inside the Nether, players can find:
- Nether Quartz
- Glowstone
- Basalt and Blackstone
- Nether Fortresses (with blaze mobs)
- Bastions (home to Piglins and valuable loot)
- Ancient Debris (used for Netherite gear)
Making a Nether portal in Minecraft is a straightforward yet essential task for advancing in the game. Whether you’re exploring for resources, creating fast travel systems, or preparing for the Ender Dragon, knowing how to construct and use a Nether portal effectively can transform your gameplay experience. With just a few obsidian blocks and a source of fire, the fiery dimension of the Nether becomes just a step away. Be prepared, stay cautious, and explore wisely as you venture into one of Minecraft’s most dangerous and rewarding realms.