5 Simple Steps to Get a Nether Portal Block in Minecraft

Gaining the ability to traverse the Nether dimension in Minecraft opens up an entirely new realm of exploration and adventure. Crafting a Nether portal offers a gateway to this fiery underworld, but it requires specific materials and a meticulous approach. To guide you through this process, we’ll delve into the steps required to construct a Nether portal, ensuring a safe and successful journey into the uncharted depths of the Nether.

First and foremost, gather ten Obsidian blocks, essential for creating the portal’s frame. These blocks can be obtained by mining Obsidian with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Once you have successfully acquired the required Obsidian, it’s time to arrange them in a specific pattern. Dig a rectangular pit, two blocks wide and four blocks tall, and place the Obsidian blocks around the perimeter. Lastly, ignite the portal using a flint and steel or a fire charge to activate it.

With the portal ignited, you’re now equipped to embark on your Nether adventure. Step through the swirling purple gateway, and you’ll be transported into the dimly lit, fiery depths of the Nether. Encounter formidable mobs like Ghasts and Piglins, navigate treacherous lava lakes, and gather unique resources only found within this alternate dimension. Remember to prepare thoroughly for your Nether journey, bringing essential items such as armor, weapons, and supplies to ensure a successful and rewarding exploration.

Gathering the Necessary Resources

Creating a portal block in Minecraft requires the acquisition of specific materials. Embark on a journey to gather the following essential resources:

• **Obsidian:** This dark, volcanic glass is the cornerstone of your portal. To obtain it, locate a naturally generated lava pool and pour water over it, creating obsidian blocks. An iron pickaxe or a diamond pickaxe is necessary for mining obsidian.

Crafting a Flint and Steel

To ignite the Nether Portal later, you will need a flint and steel. Craft it by combining an iron ingot with flint in a crafting table. Flint can be found by mining gravel with a shovel or fortune-enchanted tool.

Acquiring Other Materials

In addition to obsidian, you will also need the following:

Item	Purpose
Diamond or Gold Pickaxe	Mining Obsidian
Bucket	Carrying Water for Obsidian Creation
10 Ender Pearls	Activating the Portal

Crafting the Portal Block

To create a portal block, you’ll need the following materials:

1 Eye of Ender
8 Obsidian Blocks

Creating the Portal Frame

Begin by placing the obsidian blocks in a 3×3 square on the ground or any solid surface. Leave the center block empty.

Building the Corners

Next, place obsidian blocks at each of the four corners of the square. These will serve as the supports for the portal frame.

Connecting the Top and Bottom

Place another obsidian block on top of each corner block. Then, connect the two top blocks with a single obsidian block. Repeat the process for the two bottom blocks.

Adding the Base

Place three obsidian blocks beneath the bottom row of the frame. These will form the base of the portal.

Completing the Sides

Finally, fill in the remaining spaces between the top and bottom rows with obsidian blocks. The portal frame should now be complete.

Column	Row	Block
Left	Top	Obsidian
Center	Top	Empty
Right	Top	Obsidian
Left	Middle	Obsidian
Center	Middle	Obsidian
Right	Middle	Obsidian
Left	Bottom	Obsidian
Center	Bottom	Obsidian
Right	Bottom	Obsidian

Positioning the Portal Block

The portal block is a critical component in Minecraft, allowing players to teleport between dimensions. Its placement is crucial for ensuring efficient and safe travel. Here are some general guidelines to consider when positioning the portal block:

Distance from Spawn

The portal block should be placed a reasonable distance from the spawn point to avoid interference with initial gameplay. Consider a distance of at least 50 blocks in each direction to provide ample space for exploration and building.

Accessible Location

Choose a location that is easily accessible from your base or other important areas. This will minimize travel time and make it easier to navigate between dimensions. Consider placing the portal block near pathways, bridges, or other landmarks to enhance its visibility.

Environmental Considerations

The environment surrounding the portal block can impact its functionality and safety. Avoid placing the block near water or lava, as these elements can cause damage or impede teleportation. Consider protecting the portal block with a roof or walls to minimize exposure to the elements and prevent mobs from interfering.

Additionally, consider the surrounding landscape when positioning the portal block. Ensure that there is sufficient headroom above and around the block, allowing for smooth entry and exit from the portal. Avoid placing the block in confined spaces or near obstacles that could obstruct movement.


Factor	Considerations
Distance from Spawn	50 blocks or more in each direction
Accessible Location	Near pathways, bridges, or landmarks
Environmental Considerations	Avoid water, lava, or confined spaces
Headroom and Obstacles	Sufficient space above and around the block

Activating the Portal

Once the portal is constructed, you need to activate it to establish a connection to The End dimension. To do this, you will require 12 Ender Eyes. These eyes can be obtained by killing Endermen or trading with Endermen in a village. Follow these steps to activate the portal:

1. Approach the Portal

Stand in front of any side of the portal.

2. Equip Ender Eyes

Select the Ender Eyes in your inventory and equip them.

3. Right-Click on Portal

With the Ender Eyes equipped, right-click on the obsidian frame of the portal. Each right-click will insert an Ender Eye into the portal.

4. Insert Ender Eyes into Corners

To properly activate the portal, you need to insert Ender Eyes into the four corners and the center of each side of the portal. This means placing a total of 12 Ender Eyes into the portal. Once all the Ender Eyes are inserted, the portal will begin to activate.

Corner Position	Eye Placement
Top Left	Insert Ender Eye at the uppermost left corner
Top Right	Insert Ender Eye at the uppermost right corner
Bottom Left	Insert Ender Eye at the lowermost left corner
Bottom Right	Insert Ender Eye at the lowermost right corner
Center Left	Insert Ender Eye in the center of the left side
Center Right	Insert Ender Eye in the center of the right side

Once all 12 Ender Eyes are inserted, the portal will activate, emitting a beam of purple light and creating a swirling purple vortex within the frame. This indicates that the portal is now active, and you can step into it to travel to The End dimension.

Entering the End

Before you can create an End portal, you must venture into the End, where the Ender Dragon resides. Here’s how to accomplish this:

Gathering Eyes of Ender

Seek out Endermen and slay them to gather Eyes of Ender. You’ll need a total of 12 Eyes of Ender.

Crafting End Portal Frames

Use the Eyes of Ender to craft 12 End Portal Frames at a crafting table. These frames will form the structure of the End portal.

Locating the Stronghold

Using the Eyes of Ender, begin throwing them into the air. Each Eye will fly towards the nearest Stronghold, which contains the End portal. Follow the Eyes to locate the Stronghold.

Entering the Stronghold

Navigate through the Stronghold, solving puzzles and battling mobs, until you reach the central chamber where the End portal resides.

Activating the End Portal

Place the 12 End Portal Frames in their designated slots around the End portal. Once all 12 frames are placed, the portal will activate, and you can step through to enter the End.

Item	Quantity	Purpose
Eyes of Ender	12	Used to craft End Portal Frames and locate the Stronghold
End Portal Frames	12	Used to construct the End portal
Stronghold	1	Contains the End portal

Defeating the Ender Dragon

Conquering the Ender Dragon is the ultimate challenge in Minecraft’s main storyline. This colossal foe resides in The End, a barren dimension accessible only through an End Portal. To reach it, you must first gather Ender Pearls and create Eyes of Ender, which lead the way to the portal.

Once you enter The End, you’ll find yourself on a vast, desolate island. Locate the End Gateway, a swirling purple structure, and place the Eyes of Ender into the four slots on its side.

6. Battling the Ender Dragon

As you approach the End Gateway, the Ender Dragon will emerge from the darkness. This formidable beast has several deadly attacks, including a sweeping breath attack, swooping dives, and summoned Endermen minions.

To defeat the dragon, you’ll need a combination of strategy and firepower. Here are some tips:

Build Pillars: Construct tall pillars to gain a height advantage and avoid the dragon’s breath attack.
Use Bows and Arrows: Aim for the dragon’s head or wings to deal damage. Enchanted bows with arrows of weakness can significantly increase your damage output.
Create Obsidian Platforms: Place obsidian blocks near the pillars to create safe zones where the dragon’s breath cannot reach you.
Destroy Ender Crystals: The dragon will regenerate its health from Ender Crystals perched on the obsidian towers in the corners of the island. Destroy these crystals to weaken the dragon.
Avoid Endermen: Be wary of Endermen that the dragon summons. They can teleport and inflict damage if you make eye contact.
Be Patient: Defeating the Ender Dragon is a test of endurance. Don’t get discouraged if you fail initially. Respawn and try again until you triumph.

Returning to the Overworld

Once you have entered the Nether, it can be tricky to find your way back. The safest and most reliable way to return to the Overworld is through a Nether portal. However, the portal will only work if it is properly activated.

1. Find a Nether Portal

The first step is to find a Nether portal. These portals are rare, but they can be found in most Nether biomes. They are typically found in or near fortresses, but they can also be found in the open.

2. Activate the Portal

Once you have found a Nether portal, you need to activate it. To do this, you need to light the obsidian frame of the portal with a flint and steel. This will create a swirling purple vortex.

3. Step Through the Portal

Once the portal is activated, you can step through it to return to the Overworld. Be careful, though, as the portal can be unstable and may transport you to a different location.

4. Find Your Way Back Home

Once you have returned to the Overworld, you may not be in the same place that you left. To find your way back home, you can use a compass or a map.

5. Build a New Portal (Optional)

If you want to be able to return to the Nether later, you can build a new portal. To do this, you will need to find a suitable location and create an obsidian frame. Then, you can light the frame with a flint and steel to create a new portal.

6. Map the Portal

It can be helpful to map the location of your Nether portal. This will make it easier to find your way back later on.

7. Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for returning to the Overworld from the Nether:

Bring plenty of food and supplies with you.
Be careful of mobs in the Nether.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other players.

Attack	Countermeasure
Breath Attack	Build Pillars, Use Obsidian Platforms
Swooping Dives	Move Sideways, Time your Attacks
Endermen Summons	Avoid Eye Contact, Use Swiftness Potions

Item	Quantity
Flint and steel	1
Obsidian	14
Compass or map	1

Troubleshooting Portal Activation

There are a few reasons why your portal may not be activating:

1. The frame is not complete. Make sure that you have placed all eight obsidian blocks in the correct formation.

2. The frame is not lit. Use a flint and steel to light the obsidian blocks on the bottom two rows.

3. There are blocks obstructing the portal. Make sure that there are no blocks within the portal’s 5x4x3 activation area.

4. You are not standing in the center of the portal. Stand in the middle of the portal’s 3×2 activation area.

5. The portal is too close to another portal. Portals cannot be placed within 128 blocks of each other.

6. The portal is in the Nether. Portals can only be activated in the Overworld.

7. You are in Creative mode. Portals cannot be activated in Creative mode.

8. You are using a modded version of Minecraft. Some mods may disable portal activation. Check the mod’s documentation to see if it affects portals.

Advanced Portal Building Techniques

Using Multiple Portals

You can link multiple portals together for faster travel or to create intricate structures. When placing multiple portals adjacent to each other, ensure they are aligned correctly for proper connection.

Creating Portal Rooms

Consider building a dedicated portal room to organize and enhance accessibility. This allows for quick access to multiple destinations without cluttering the main world.

Camouflaging Portals

Disguise portals to maintain the game’s aesthetic or create secretive passageways. Use blocks like leaves or stone bricks that blend with the surrounding environment.

Decorating Portals

Enhance the appearance of portals with decorative elements such as frames, pillars, or lighting. Use colored glass or blocks to add a personal touch.

Using Redstone

Incorporate Redstone mechanisms to control portal activation and create interactive structures. For example, use pressure plates or buttons to trigger portal opening.

Using Command Blocks

Utilize command blocks to create custom portals and perform advanced functions. Use commands to set portal destinations, teleport players, or manipulate portal behavior.

Using Mods

Install mods to expand your portal building capabilities. There are numerous mods available that introduce new portal types, decorations, and utility features.

Creating Custom Textures

Create custom textures for your portals to personalize their appearance. Use image editing tools to design unique textures and apply them to portal blocks.

Exploring Dimensions

Venture into different dimensions accessible through portals, such as the Nether or the End. Explore their unique biomes, resources, and challenges.

Creative Uses for Portal Blocks

10. Teleporting to a Secret Base

Create a portal in a hidden location and link it to your main base. This allows for quick and convenient travel without having to navigate through the overworld.

To create a secret portal, dig a hole and place a portal block at the bottom. Cover the hole with a carpet or trapdoor to conceal it. Link the portal to your base by placing another portal block there and activating it with a flint and steel.

Remember to hide the portal in a safe and inconspicuous spot to prevent others from discovering your secret base.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps:

Possible Cause	Solution
Obsidian frame is not complete	Place all eight obsidian blocks in the correct formation
Obsidian frame is not lit	Use a flint and steel to light the obsidian blocks on the bottom two rows
Blocks obstructing the portal	Remove any blocks within the portal’s 5x4x3 activation area
Not standing in the center of the portal	Stand in the middle of the portal’s 3×2 activation area
Portal too close to another portal	Move the portal at least 128 blocks away from any other portals
Portal in the Nether	Move the portal to the Overworld
Creative mode	Switch to Survival mode
Modded version of Minecraft	Check the mod’s documentation to see if it affects portals

Step	Description
1	Dig a hole in a hidden location.
2	Place a portal block at the bottom of the hole.
3	Cover the hole with a carpet or trapdoor.
4	Place a portal block in your base and activate it with a flint and steel.

How to Obtain a Portal Block in Minecraft

Portal blocks are an essential component in Minecraft for creating Nether portals, which provide transportation to the Nether dimension. Here are the steps to acquire and use portal blocks:

Locate a Nether Fortress: Portal blocks are only found within Nether fortresses, which are generated randomly in the Nether dimension.
Search for Portals: Within Nether fortresses, locate corrupted portals that have a purple-tinted outline and contain lava. Explore the nearby chests or fortresses to find obsidian blocks, which can be used to activate the portal.
Activate the Portal: Place obsidian blocks around the existing portal frame to complete its structure. Activate the portal using a flint and steel or fire charge to ignite the portal frame.
Break the Portal Blocks: Once the portal is active, use a pickaxe to mine the portal blocks from the portal frame. Be cautious, as portal blocks can only be mined with a diamond or netherite pickaxe.
Store and Use: Place the obtained portal blocks in your inventory for future use. They can be placed in a 2×3 configuration on any surface to create a new portal that leads to the Nether.