Can You Get Obsidian Without Mining? A Minecraft Masterclass

Yes, you can absolutely obtain obsidian in Minecraft without the traditional act of mining, though it requires a bit of cleverness and understanding of the game’s mechanics. The most common method involves manipulating lava and water interactions. This article dives deep into the intricacies of obsidian acquisition, exploring various methods and answering frequently asked questions to equip you with all the knowledge you need to become an obsidian aficionado.

The Lava and Water Tango: Obsidian Creation 101

The bedrock principle behind obtaining obsidian without direct mining lies in its formation. Obsidian is created when a source block of lava comes into contact with flowing water. When you pour water onto a stationary lava source block it magically transforms into a block of obsidian!

Constructing an Obsidian Farm

1. Locate a Lava Source: The easiest way to get started is to find a lava pool above ground or in a cave. Alternatively, the Nether is a prime location for lava hunting.
2. Controlled Water Placement: Carefully pour water so that it flows onto the lava source block. This requires precise placement to ensure the lava turns into obsidian and not cobblestone (which forms when lava flows into water).
3. Repeat and Harvest: Once the obsidian forms, it can be harvested using a Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe. This, of course, contradicts the “no mining” aspect but creates a renewable source of obsidian.

Nether Portal Trick: Infinite Obsidian (Almost!)

Once you have enough obsidian for a Nether portal, you can exploit a mechanic to create more without relying on external lava sources. This works due to how the game recalculates portal locations.

1. Build a Nether Portal: Create a standard Nether portal frame (5 blocks high, 4 blocks wide, with filled corners or just a frame).
2. Enter the Nether: Step through the portal. The game will generate a corresponding portal in the Nether.
3. Destroy the Overworld Portal: Return to the Overworld and break some of the obsidian blocks of your portal frame.
4. Re-enter the Nether: Go back through the Nether portal. The game will detect the incomplete portal in the Overworld and recreate a new, complete portal in the Overworld.
5. Harvest the New Blocks: Each time you break the Overworld portal and re-enter the Nether, the game generates a new portal, providing you with a renewable (though labor-intensive) source of obsidian.

Exploiting Ruined Portals

Ruined portals sometimes contain partially formed obsidian structures. These can be strategically completed with a water and lava setup to create harvestable obsidian blocks.

1. Locate a Ruined Portal: Explore the Overworld and the Nether to find these structures.
2. Assess the Structure: Determine which parts of the portal frame are missing.
3. Lava and Water Fill-in: Use the lava and water technique described earlier to fill in the missing parts with obsidian.
4. Harvest and Repeat: Once you have a full obsidian frame, you can mine it. Finding new ruined portals provides a means of obtaining obsidian without the necessity of manually creating lava flows.

Trading with Villagers (Java Edition Specific)

In Java Edition, you can trade with Expert-level Cleric Villagers, who have a chance to offer Obsidian for Emeralds.

1. Find a Village: Locate a village with villagers.
2. Find a Cleric Villager: Locate and level up a Cleric Villager.
3. Trade: Once you have levelled them up to an expert, keep refreshing their trades till you see obsidian for sale.
4. Emeralds: Get Emeralds and trade with the villager.

FAQs: Your Burning Obsidian Questions Answered

1. What pickaxe do I need to mine obsidian?

You can only mine obsidian with a Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe. Any other pickaxe will break the block after a significant amount of time but won’t yield any obsidian.

2. How long does it take to mine obsidian with a Diamond Pickaxe?

Without enchantments, it takes approximately 10 seconds to mine a block of obsidian with a Diamond Pickaxe.

3. Does Fortune enchantment affect obsidian drops?

No, the Fortune enchantment does not increase the number of obsidian blocks you get when mining. You will only ever get one block of obsidian per block mined, regardless of Fortune.

4. Can I use crying obsidian to make a Nether portal?

No, crying obsidian cannot be used to create a Nether portal frame. It is primarily used to craft Respawn Anchors, which allow you to respawn in the Nether.

5. What is the point of crying obsidian?

The main purpose of crying obsidian is to craft a Respawn Anchor. This block allows players to set a respawn point in the Nether.

6. Is obsidian stronger than diamond in real life?

No, obsidian is not stronger than a diamond in real life. Diamond is one of the hardest natural substances known to scientists, while obsidian is much softer.

7. Can flowing lava turn into obsidian?

No, flowing lava that comes into contact with water will create cobblestone or stone, not obsidian. Only a source block of lava will turn into obsidian when water is applied.

8. How do I move a lava source block?

You can move a lava source block using a bucket. Simply right-click on the lava source with an empty bucket to pick it up, and then right-click again to place it elsewhere.

9. What is the fastest way to get obsidian in Minecraft?

The fastest way usually involves finding a naturally generated lava pool, pouring water on it, and then mining the resulting obsidian with a Diamond Pickaxe. Alternatively, the Nether portal trick, once set up, can be a good source.

10. What Y level is best for finding lava in the Overworld?

Lava pools in the Overworld are most commonly found at lower Y levels, typically below Y=30. Exploring caves at these depths increases your chances of finding lava.

11. Can I use a Dispenser to place water for obsidian creation?

Yes, you can use a Dispenser filled with a water bucket to automate the process of placing water on lava to create obsidian. This can be useful for building an obsidian farm.

12. How do I prevent lava from turning into cobblestone instead of obsidian?

To prevent lava from turning into cobblestone, ensure that you are pouring water onto a source block of lava and not flowing lava. Controlled water placement is crucial.

13. Can I find obsidian in chests?

Yes, it’s possible to find obsidian in chests within generated structures, such as villages, ruined portals, and strongholds.

14. Does the Efficiency enchantment help with mining obsidian?

Yes, the Efficiency enchantment does reduce the time it takes to mine obsidian. An Efficiency V Diamond Pickaxe will mine obsidian much faster than an unenchanted one.

15. What is the toughest material in Minecraft?

While obsidian is tough, Netherite is generally considered the toughest and most durable material in Minecraft.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Obsidian Acquisition

Obtaining obsidian in Minecraft doesn’t always require the traditional method of mining deep underground. By understanding the mechanics of lava and water interactions, exploiting the Nether portal regeneration, and strategically exploring the world, you can amass a significant supply of this valuable resource. Whether you’re building enchanting tables, Nether portals, or simply want a dark, stylish building material, mastering these techniques will elevate your Minecraft gameplay. This guide will provide a solid foundation of the game and allow you to pursue further gaming knowledge at Games Learning Society.