Does Crying Obsidian Work for Nether Portals? The Truth Revealed!
The short answer is a resounding no. While Crying Obsidian shares a visual resemblance to regular Obsidian, a fundamental component for crafting Nether Portals, it cannot be used in place of Obsidian to activate or create a functional portal. Crying Obsidian’s properties are distinct, offering different gameplay advantages and features in Minecraft. Let’s dive into why, and explore everything you need to know about this fascinating block.
Understanding the Difference: Obsidian vs. Crying Obsidian
Obsidian, formed when water meets lava, is a cornerstone block in Minecraft. Its primary use lies in constructing the frame for Nether Portals, a vital link between the Overworld and the Nether dimension. The minimum obsidian requirement for the portal frame is 10 blocks, arranged in a 4×5 rectangle (corners are optional).
Crying Obsidian, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the game. It’s identified by its distinct purple hue and the characteristic “tears” that trickle down its surface, providing a subtle light source. The lore suggests that this Obsidian has been overexposed to the Nether, hence its altered appearance.
Why Crying Obsidian Fails as a Nether Portal Material
The game’s code specifically recognizes Obsidian as the block capable of forming a Nether Portal frame. Crying Obsidian simply lacks this property. So, even if you meticulously build a frame identical to a functional Nether Portal, using Crying Obsidian and attempt to activate it with Flint and Steel, you will not succeed. The game won’t recognize it as a valid portal frame, and the activation won’t occur.
Crying Obsidian’s Unique Purpose: The Respawn Anchor
While it can’t create portals, Crying Obsidian plays a crucial role in Nether survival. It’s the key ingredient for crafting a Respawn Anchor. By combining 6 Crying Obsidian blocks with 3 Glowstone dust, you can create this vital block. The Respawn Anchor, when charged with Glowstone, allows you to set a respawn point within the Nether, preventing you from being sent back to your Overworld spawn after death. This is incredibly useful for prolonged exploration and building in the Nether dimension.
Crying Obsidian: Decorative and Functional
Crying Obsidian also works as a decorative block. Its unique texture and subtle light emission make it a valuable material for creating interesting builds. You can combine it with other blocks to achieve visually stunning effects, especially in dimly lit environments or Nether-themed structures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crying Obsidian and its relationship to Nether Portals and other game mechanics:
1. Can I mix Obsidian and Crying Obsidian in a Nether Portal frame?
No, you cannot. A Nether Portal frame must be constructed entirely of Obsidian to function. Mixing in Crying Obsidian will render the entire frame useless.
2. What happens if I try to light a Crying Obsidian frame with Flint and Steel?
Absolutely nothing. The Flint and Steel will function normally, but no portal will appear. The Crying Obsidian simply doesn’t have the programmed property to respond to the activation attempt.
3. Is Crying Obsidian harder to break than regular Obsidian?
Surprisingly, no. Both Obsidian and Crying Obsidian have the same hardness rating of 50. They both require a Diamond or Netherite pickaxe to be mined effectively.
4. Can the Ender Dragon destroy Crying Obsidian?
Thankfully, no. Like regular Obsidian, Crying Obsidian boasts a high blast resistance of 1200. This makes it immune to destruction by the Ender Dragon and most explosions.
5. Is Crying Obsidian explosion proof?
Yes, Crying Obsidian is explosion-resistant. It can withstand the force of explosions, making it a useful building material for areas prone to TNT blasts or creeper attacks.
6. Where can I find Crying Obsidian?
Crying Obsidian can be found in Ruined Portals, which generate in both the Overworld and the Nether. It can also be bartered from Piglins in the Nether.
7. Is Crying Obsidian rare?
While not the rarest block in the game, Crying Obsidian is relatively uncommon. Finding it requires exploring Ruined Portals or engaging in bartering with Piglins, which adds a level of challenge to acquiring it.
8. Can I use Crying Obsidian for an enchanting table?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t use crying obsidian for an enchanting table in Vanilla Minecraft. It would be a cool mechanic if Crying Obsidian would give the enchanting table a boost, but, it isn’t in the game.
9. Can lava break a nether portal?
Not directly. Lava alone won’t destroy a Nether Portal. However, dispensers loaded with lava, when triggered, can sometimes disrupt the portal activation, requiring you to relight it.
10. What is the minimum obsidian needed for a nether portal?
You require a minimum of 10 obsidian blocks to construct the frame of a Nether Portal. Adding the corner blocks isn’t necessary for the portal to function, but it does provide extra stability.
11. Is there a nether portal limit?
There is no limit to the number of Nether Portals you can create in a Minecraft world. However, it is important to note that the size of the frame must be within the range of 4×5 minimum to 23×23 maximum.
12. Do ruined portals always have gold?
Not always, but it’s highly probable. Ruined Portals often contain chests with valuable loot, including gold ingots or golden tools. However, there’s a chance for these chests to be empty.
13. Can water break a nether portal?
Yes. Pouring a water bucket directly into a lit Nether Portal will deactivate it. Explosions can also break the portal, leaving behind residual portal blocks.
14. Is Obsidian stronger than crying Obsidian?
Technically, they possess the same hardness. Both types of Obsidian require the same level of effort to mine and are equally resistant to explosions.
15. What are the uses of Crying Obsidian?
The main use of Crying Obsidian is to craft a Respawn Anchor. But, it can also be used to create interesting builds and decorations. Its unique texture and light emission make it stand out!
Final Thoughts
While Crying Obsidian might not fulfill your Nether Portal dreams, it remains a valuable and unique block in Minecraft. Its primary function as a component of the Respawn Anchor makes it essential for Nether exploration and survival. Its distinctive appearance also provides new possibilities for creative builds and aesthetic designs. Remember, knowledge is power in Minecraft, so understanding the specific properties and uses of each block is key to mastering the game!
Want to deepen your understanding of how games can be used for educational purposes? Consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization is dedicated to researching and promoting the use of games for learning.