Can You Use Crying Obsidian in a Nether Portal? Exploring the Weeping Gateway
No, you cannot use crying obsidian to create a functional Nether portal in Minecraft. While both obsidian and crying obsidian share a visual similarity, only standard obsidian possesses the properties required to be activated by fire and link the Overworld and the Nether. Attempting to build a portal frame with crying obsidian will result in a visually interesting, yet entirely non-functional, structure.
Understanding Nether Portals: The Gateway to the Nether
The Nether portal is the primary means of transportation between the Overworld and the fiery dimension of the Nether. It’s a staple of Minecraft gameplay, essential for resource gathering, exploration, and progression. Constructing a Nether portal requires specific materials and a precise understanding of its mechanics. A correct portal shape consists of a rectangular frame made of obsidian. You must then use a flint and steel or other fire-based method on the inside of the frame to activate it. The frame must be made of regular obsidian, not crying obsidian.
Crying Obsidian: Tears of the Nether
Crying obsidian is a variant of obsidian distinguished by its unique texture and the distinctive purple droplets that continuously stream down its surface. These droplets, referred to as “tears,” emit a faint light. Crying obsidian cannot be used to build a Nether portal. Crying obsidian’s primary function is crafting respawn anchors, which allow players to set a respawn point within the Nether, avoiding the long and dangerous journey back from the Overworld after death. It also serves as a decorative building block.
Why Crying Obsidian Doesn’t Work in Portals
The key reason why crying obsidian cannot function in a Nether portal lies in its internal code and properties within the game. Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, designed standard obsidian to be the sole material capable of holding the portal’s energy. Crying obsidian, while aesthetically similar, lacks this critical property. The game’s code specifically checks for standard obsidian when determining whether a portal frame is valid. When the game detects crying obsidian, it immediately stops looking for a valid portal frame. You can learn about game design and the logic that goes into these kinds of decisions at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nether Portals and Crying Obsidian
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Nether portals and crying obsidian, providing more detailed information and addressing common player queries:
1. What happens if I try to light a crying obsidian portal with flint and steel?
Absolutely nothing. The flint and steel will ignite as normal, but the crying obsidian will not react. No portal will form, and you’ll simply waste durability on your flint and steel. The game simply doesn’t recognize the frame as a valid Nether portal if even one block is not regular obsidian.
2. Can I mix regular obsidian and crying obsidian in the same portal frame?
No. The entire frame must be constructed of standard obsidian. Even a single block of crying obsidian will prevent the portal from activating. The game requires complete purity of obsidian for the Nether portal to function.
3. Where can I find crying obsidian?
Crying obsidian is primarily found in ruined portals scattered throughout the Overworld and the Nether. It can also be obtained through bartering with Piglins in the Nether. Piglins are more likely to give out crying obsidian when given gold ingots.
4. What are respawn anchors used for, and why do they need crying obsidian?
Respawn anchors allow players to set a respawn point in the Nether, which is crucial for extended stays in the Nether. Crying obsidian is a key ingredient in crafting respawn anchors because it provides the necessary stability and connection to the Nether’s dimension. Respawn anchors are life-saving for players in the Nether.
5. Can I dye crying obsidian?
No, crying obsidian cannot be dyed. Its color and texture are fixed. You can’t change the color of the tears or the underlying obsidian. The aesthetics are meant to be fixed.
6. Does the size of the obsidian frame affect whether or not the portal works?
Yes, there are size limitations. The minimum size for a Nether portal frame is 4 blocks wide and 5 blocks tall, totaling 10 obsidian blocks. The maximum size is 23×23. Any frame outside these dimensions will not activate.
7. Can I use lava to create obsidian for a Nether portal?
Yes, you can create obsidian by having water flow onto lava source blocks. This is a common method for obtaining obsidian, especially early in the game. Just be careful not to fall into the lava! You can mine this obsidian to build your Nether Portal.
8. Are there any decorative uses for crying obsidian?
Yes, many players use crying obsidian for decorative purposes due to its unique appearance. It can be used to create interesting lighting effects and add a touch of mystery to builds. Its purple tears create interesting shadows.
9. Does crying obsidian have the same blast resistance as regular obsidian?
Yes, both crying obsidian and regular obsidian have the same blast resistance. They are among the most blast-resistant blocks in the game, capable of withstanding explosions from creepers and even TNT.
10. Can I use a bucket of water to break crying obsidian faster?
No, using a bucket of water has no effect on the speed at which you mine crying obsidian. You’ll still need a diamond or netherite pickaxe to mine it efficiently. Mining crying obsidian with the wrong tool is a very slow process.
11. Do I need to fill in the corners of the Nether portal frame for it to work?
No, the corners of the obsidian frame do not need to be filled in. The game only checks for a complete rectangular frame to activate the portal. Leaving the corners open saves on obsidian.
12. Can Endermen spawn near crying obsidian like they do with regular obsidian?
No, Endermen do not have a special affinity for crying obsidian. They can spawn near any block in the game, based on the standard spawning rules. Endermen won’t be more likely to spawn around crying obsidian than anywhere else.
13. Is there any way to automate the creation of crying obsidian?
Not directly. However, you can automate the process of bartering with Piglins to obtain crying obsidian. This involves using a hopper and dropper system to automatically feed gold ingots to Piglins in a controlled environment.
14. Does the type of fire I use affect whether the Nether portal activates?
Generally, no. You can use flint and steel, fire charges, or even the explosion of a bed in the Nether to ignite the portal, as long as it applies fire to the inside of the obsidian frame.
15. Can I build a Nether portal underwater?
Yes, you can build a Nether portal underwater. The key is to place the obsidian frame first and then use a method to ignite the portal underwater, such as placing torches temporarily to create air pockets and then using flint and steel. Underwater Nether portal bases can be very cool.
In Conclusion: Stick to Standard Obsidian!
While crying obsidian adds a unique and decorative element to Minecraft, it cannot replace standard obsidian in the construction of a Nether portal. Remember to use standard obsidian for your portal frames, and reserve crying obsidian for respawn anchors and aesthetic builds. Understanding the properties of different blocks and their intended uses is crucial for mastering Minecraft and enjoying all that the game has to offer.