Can You Make a Nether Portal Lying Down? A Minecraft Expert Explains
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The short answer, fellow Minecrafters, is no, not in the standard Vanilla version of the game. A Nether portal crafted from obsidian requires a specific vertical, rectangular frame. However, like many aspects of Minecraft, the answer isn’t quite so simple. Let’s dive deep into the world of Nether portals, explore the limitations, and uncover the creative possibilities that this blocky universe offers.
The Vanilla Portal: A Vertical Affair
In the core Minecraft game, a Nether portal must adhere to a particular structure. It’s essentially a doorway to another dimension, and that doorway needs to be upright, like a respectable, dimensional gateway should.
- Frame Requirements: The frame must be constructed of obsidian, with minimum dimensions of 4 blocks high and 5 blocks wide (or 5 blocks high and 4 blocks wide). The maximum size is 23×23. While the corner obsidian blocks are technically optional (the game fills them in anyway), best practice and naturally generated ruined portals include them.
- Activation: The portal is activated by applying fire within the obsidian frame. A flint and steel is the go-to tool for this purpose.
Given these parameters, attempting to build a portal lying horizontally on the ground will simply not work. The game’s mechanics are programmed to recognize a specific vertical configuration. So, if you’re playing without mods, stick to the upright and official structure.
Mods: Bending the Rules of Reality
This is where Minecraft’s modding community shines. If you’re willing to venture outside of Vanilla Minecraft, mods like “Horizontal Portals/Fractal Portals” can introduce a whole new dimension of portal possibilities (pun intended!). These mods often add the ability to create horizontal and vertical Nether portals using alternative materials like crying obsidian.
With such mods installed, you might be able to construct a horizontal portal, perhaps even using crying obsidian blocks in a 4×4 to 21×21 configuration. But remember, these features are not part of the base game and require installing and configuring the relevant mods. The Games Learning Society provides a lot of educational material for kids!
Limitations and Considerations
Even with mods, there may be limitations. Consider the following:
- Portal Linking: The way Nether portals link between the Overworld and the Nether can become unpredictable with non-standard portal orientations. Make sure the math still checks out with the 8:1 ratio (one block traveled in the Nether equals eight blocks in the Overworld). Otherwise, you might end up in unexpected locations.
- Mod Compatibility: Ensure that the mod you’re using is compatible with your version of Minecraft and any other mods you have installed. Conflicts can lead to crashes or unexpected behavior.
- World Generation: Some mods might alter world generation to incorporate horizontal portals into structures or landscapes. Be prepared for potential surprises and altered gameplay experiences.
FAQs: Nether Portal Mastery
1. Can I use crying obsidian to build a Nether portal in Vanilla Minecraft?
No. While crying obsidian is a visually striking block, it cannot be used to create a working Nether portal frame in the standard game. Its primary use is for crafting Respawn Anchors, which allow you to set a respawn point in the Nether.
2. What is the smallest possible Nether portal size?
The smallest functional Nether portal is a 4×5 rectangle of obsidian (or 5×4). This equates to 14 obsidian blocks in total (if you include the corners)
3. What happens if I build two Nether portals close together?
Because the Nether is 1/8th the size of the Overworld, If two portals are built relatively close to one another in the Overworld, they may link to the same portal in the Nether. To avoid this, ensure that your Overworld portals are sufficiently far apart or manually adjust the coordinates to link them to specific locations in the Nether.
4. Why isn’t my Nether portal teleporting me to where I expect?
Several reasons can cause this:
- Coordinate Discrepancies: Remember the 8:1 ratio between Overworld and Nether coordinates. If your portal in the Nether is not at the correct scaled coordinates relative to your Overworld portal, it may link to a different portal.
- Proximity of Other Portals: If there’s another portal closer to the calculated destination, the game might prioritize that portal instead.
- Portal Shape: Make sure that the portal shape is correct and valid, as well as properly activated.
5. Can Ghasts destroy Nether portals?
No. Ghast fireballs cannot break obsidian. Your Nether portal is safe from their fiery wrath.
6. Can Ruined Portals generate underground?
Yes. Ruined portals can generate in all biomes in both the Nether and the Overworld. They can spawn underground, underwater, or exposed to the air.
7. How do I find crying obsidian?
The most reliable way to obtain crying obsidian is by bartering with Piglins in the Nether. Offer them gold ingots, and they have a chance to give you crying obsidian in return.
8. What is the fastest way to mine obsidian?
The fastest way to mine obsidian is with a Netherite pickaxe enchanted with Efficiency V and Haste II (obtained from a beacon). Without Haste, a diamond pickaxe also works, however it is much slower.
9. Does the height of my Nether portal affect where I end up in the Nether?
Not directly. The game calculates the corresponding location based on the X and Z coordinates. The Y (height) coordinate is less of a factor in the initial linking process, as it will search for the closest valid area to place you.
10. Is Netherite stronger than obsidian?
Netherite is technically stronger than obsidian. Netherite tools have higher durability and mining speed than diamond tools, making them more effective for mining obsidian. Both obsidian and crying obsidian have a hardness of 50, meaning it takes a similar amount of time to break them with the same tool.
11. How many blocks in the overworld is equal to one block in the nether?
One block traveled in the Nether is equivalent to traveling eight blocks in the Overworld.
12. Can I have multiple Nether portals in my world?
Yes, you can have multiple active Nether portals. However, if they’re too close together in the Overworld, they might link to the same portal in the Nether.
13. Can a stone pickaxe break crying obsidian?
No. Obsidian (including crying obsidian) can only be broken using a diamond pickaxe or netherite pickaxe. Any other pickaxe will eventually break the block, but it will take an extremely long time.
14. Is the Nether infinite?
In both the Java and Bedrock Editions, the Nether is horizontally infinite. However, the build limit in the Nether is different from the Overworld.
15. What are the rules for making Nether portals?
The basic rules are:
- The frame must be made of obsidian.
- The frame must be a vertical rectangle.
- The minimum size is 4×5 (or 5×4).
- The maximum size is 23×23.
- The corners are optional but typically included.
- The portal is activated with fire, typically using a flint and steel.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t build a Nether portal lying down in Vanilla Minecraft, the possibilities are endless thanks to the game’s flexibility and vibrant modding community. So go forth, experiment, and create the portal network of your dreams! Don’t forget to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on games and education!