In the vast world of Minecraft, the Nether is a mysterious and dangerous dimension filled with unique resources, powerful enemies, and breathtaking structures. To access this realm, players must first build a Nether Portal. The essential ingredient in crafting this portal is obsidian a rare, durable block that resists explosions and can only be mined with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Understanding how to obtain obsidian and correctly construct a Nether Portal is crucial for any player looking to progress in survival or explore the depths of the game’s lore and challenges.
What is Obsidian in Minecraft?
Properties and Characteristics
Obsidian is one of the hardest blocks in Minecraft. It forms naturally when water flows over lava source blocks. Due to its resilience, obsidian takes a long time to mine, even with the correct tool. This durability makes it ideal for building structures that can withstand creeper explosions or for creating functional contraptions involving portals and redstone.
- Obsidian requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe to harvest.
- Mining time is approximately 9.4 seconds with an unenchanted diamond pickaxe.
- It is immune to normal explosions, including those from TNT and ghasts.
- Obsidian cannot be blown up, making it perfect for portal frames and secure bases.
How to Get Obsidian
Natural Generation and Manual Creation
There are two main ways to obtain obsidian: finding it naturally in the world or creating it yourself. While generated obsidian can be found in structures like ruined portals or bastions, most players prefer to create it using lava and water.
Steps to Create Obsidian
- Locate a lava pool or mine a bucket of lava.
- Place lava source blocks in a flat surface area or into a mold.
- Pour water over the lava source blocks not just flowing lava.
- The lava turns into obsidian instantly upon contact with water.
- Use a diamond or netherite pickaxe to collect the obsidian blocks.
This process allows players to produce as much obsidian as they need, as long as lava is accessible. Lava pools are commonly found underground, near Y-level 11, or on the surface in some biomes.
Building a Nether Portal
Minimum Requirements
A Nether Portal requires a specific rectangular frame of obsidian. While the traditional full frame uses 14 blocks, players can build a functioning portal with just 10 obsidian blocks by omitting the corners.
Nether Portal Dimensions
- Minimum size: 4 blocks tall (2×3 interior space) 10 obsidian total if corners are skipped.
- Maximum size: 23 blocks tall and 23 blocks wide for aesthetic or decorative purposes.
Constructing the Portal
- Place two obsidian blocks on the ground (base).
- Add three obsidian blocks vertically on each side.
- Connect the top with two horizontal obsidian blocks.
- The frame should form a vertical rectangle, with at least a 2×3 space inside.
Activating the Nether Portal
Once the obsidian frame is complete, the portal is activated using a flint and steel, fire charge, or other fire source.
- Use the flint and steel on the bottom inner block of the frame.
- A purple, shimmering portal field will appear inside the frame.
- Entering the portal for a few seconds will transport the player to the Nether dimension.
Strategic Use of Obsidian in Nether Portals
Portals in Base Design and Exploration
Players often integrate Nether Portals into their base designs. Since portals link dimensions, they can be used for fast travel and connecting distant locations in the Overworld through the compressed coordinate scale of the Nether (8 blocks in Overworld = 1 block in the Nether).
Obsidian’s blast resistance also makes it a solid choice for base walls, floors, or as a frame for essential rooms that must be protected from creeper damage or fire. Many advanced players design dedicated portal rooms lined with obsidian for both functional and decorative purposes.
Portal Traps and PvP Tactics
In multiplayer worlds, obsidian’s properties allow it to be used in traps involving Nether Portals. Players may set traps by placing lava, TNT, or hostile mobs on the other side of a portal, especially in PvP environments. Its resilience makes it hard to escape without the proper tools.
Additional Uses for Obsidian
Crafting and Redstone Applications
Besides portal construction, obsidian has a few crafting uses in Minecraft, particularly for players looking to build advanced tools or decorative blocks.
- Ender Chest: Crafted with 8 obsidian and 1 eye of ender, it provides shared storage between locations.
- Enchanting Table: Crafted with 4 obsidian, 2 diamonds, and 1 book; used for enchanting gear.
- Beacon Base: While not a required material, obsidian can be used in creative builds around beacon structures.
- Netherite Upgrade: In crafting an upgrade station, obsidian helps upgrade diamond gear to netherite.
Obsidian is also used in various redstone contraptions, especially when explosive resistance is needed to protect delicate machinery or circuits.
Farming Obsidian Efficiently
Tips for Safe and Fast Mining
Mining obsidian can be slow and dangerous if done carelessly. Standing near lava while mining can lead to sudden burns or item loss. Here are a few tips to make obsidian farming easier and safer:
- Always carry a water bucket to solidify nearby lava before mining.
- Stand on a block higher than the obsidian to avoid falling into lava.
- Use Efficiency enchantments to reduce mining time significantly.
- Bring spare pickaxes in case yours breaks during mining.
Setting up a dedicated obsidian farm using renewable lava from dripstone setups and cauldrons can provide a long-term source without needing to return to deep caves or the Nether frequently.
Traveling Through the Nether with Obsidian
Creating Return Portals
When exploring the Nether, it’s a smart idea to bring extra obsidian blocks and flint and steel. If your portal is destroyed or you travel too far from the original portal, you can create a new one to return to the Overworld.
This becomes especially useful when players are building Nether highways, farming ancient debris, or scouting bastions and fortresses. Having the materials to create a quick escape route can prevent inventory loss and avoid dangerous respawns.
Obsidian is a foundational resource in Minecraft, particularly for those looking to venture into the perilous realm of the Nether. With its ability to resist explosions and function as a portal frame, it serves as both a strategic and essential material. Understanding how to gather obsidian, construct a Nether Portal, and use it effectively will enhance every player’s survival journey. Whether you’re aiming to build a massive obsidian fortress, travel quickly across dimensions, or gather rare resources like netherite and blaze rods, it all begins with mastering obsidian to make a Nether Portal.