Does Crying Obsidian Work in Portals? Unveiling the Truth in Minecraft

Let’s cut to the chase: crying obsidian can be used to create a nether portal frame, but it won’t function in the traditional sense. While the game allows you to build the portal structure with it, activating the portal will only create a non-functioning frame. It won’t generate an exit portal in the Nether or link to any pre-existing portals. So, while visually you might have something resembling a portal, practically it’s just a glowing, purple-tinged decoration.

Crying Obsidian: More Than Just Decoration?

Crying obsidian, with its distinct purple, “crying” particles, was introduced to Minecraft to add depth and lore to the world, particularly concerning the ruined portals scattered throughout both the Overworld and the Nether. These portals, remnants of ancient civilizations, hint at a history of travel between dimensions, making the material much more than simply decorative. Though it might not function as a direct portal component, its presence adds a layer of complexity to the game’s narrative.

Understanding Crying Obsidian’s Role

The key to understanding crying obsidian lies in its lore implications and unique properties. It’s meant to be symbolic of broken or corrupted portals, obsidian that has, in a sense, been “used up” by the constant strain of interdimensional travel. Think of it as a visual representation of the wear and tear of the Nether on the very fabric of reality. Therefore, it would make sense for the material not to perform the exact functions it once did when it was in pristine condition. This unique item is a fascinating example of Games Learning Society principles in action. The resource encourages players to explore, deduce, and understand the unspoken narratives embedded within the game’s design. You can learn more about how games create educational opportunities at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Acquiring Crying Obsidian

Unlike regular obsidian, which is created when water interacts with lava, crying obsidian cannot be crafted. There are three main ways to obtain this rare resource:

• Ruined Portals: These structures often contain blocks of crying obsidian within their broken frames. Mining these blocks is the most common way to acquire the material.

• Bartering with Piglins: Piglins, the inhabitants of the Nether, have a chance (approximately 9%) of giving you crying obsidian in exchange for gold ingots. This method, while unreliable, adds a gambling element to resource gathering.

• Bastion Remnants: Crying obsidian can sometimes be found in chests within Bastion Remnants, the fortresses of the Piglins.

Uses of Crying Obsidian

Despite its inability to create functional Nether portals, crying obsidian has several other uses:

• Respawn Anchors: This is the primary use for crying obsidian. By combining six crying obsidian blocks with three glowstone blocks, you can craft a Respawn Anchor. This block allows you to set a respawn point within the Nether, preventing those long and dangerous journeys back from the Overworld upon death. However, it requires charging with glowstone to function.

• Decoration: The distinct purple glow and dripping particles of crying obsidian make it an attractive decorative block. Its light level of 10 means it can be used to subtly illuminate areas.

• Ender Chests (Conceptual): While not currently implemented, some players have proposed using crying obsidian in the crafting of Ender Chests to create a “Crying Ender Chest” with unique properties. This showcases the community’s ongoing exploration of potential uses for the material.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crying Obsidian

1. Can you use crying obsidian to make an enchantment table?

No, you cannot use crying obsidian to craft a standard enchantment table. While there have been suggestions for a “more powerful” enchantment table crafted with crying obsidian, this is currently only a player suggestion and not part of the game.

2. Is crying obsidian stronger than obsidian?

No, both obsidian and crying obsidian have the same hardness value of 50. This means they both require a diamond or netherite pickaxe to mine and are equally resistant to explosions.

3. Can you craft crying obsidian?

No, crying obsidian cannot be crafted. You must find it in ruined portals, barter with piglins, or find it in bastion remnants.

4. How rare is crying obsidian?

Crying obsidian is relatively rare due to the limited ways to obtain it, and none of these methods are entirely guaranteed.

5. Can you make an Ender chest with crying obsidian?

Currently, you cannot craft an Ender chest with crying obsidian in the official Minecraft versions. It is only a player-suggested idea.

6. What is the minimum obsidian for a portal?

The minimum obsidian required for a standard Nether portal is 10 blocks. Getting 14 blocks is generally easier for building the frame.

7. What is the smallest nether portal?

The smallest functional Nether portal is 4 blocks wide and 5 blocks tall.

8. How do you get weeping obsidian?

“Weeping obsidian” is another name for crying obsidian. You can acquire it from ruined portals.

9. What is the point of crying obsidian?

The primary use of crying obsidian is to craft Respawn Anchors, allowing players to respawn in the Nether. It also serves as a decorative block with a unique aesthetic.

10. Can lava break a nether portal?

Lava, water, or powder snow dispensed into a Nether portal can break it, leaving behind a lit and functional slice.

11. How rare is a ruined nether portal in Minecraft?

Ruined portals are relatively common, especially in the Nether. Their spawn rate varies depending on the Y-level.

12. Is crying obsidian better than obsidian?

Crying obsidian is not “better” than obsidian; it serves a different purpose. While it can be used for decoration and crafting Respawn Anchors, it cannot be used to create functional Nether portals. It also emits a light level of 10 and has the same durability as obsidian.

13. Can you buy crying obsidian?

You cannot directly “buy” crying obsidian from villagers or other NPCs. However, you can barter with Piglins using gold ingots, which might result in them giving you crying obsidian.

14. Can crying obsidian break?

Yes, crying obsidian can be broken. It requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe to mine.

15. Does crying obsidian melt ice?

Crying obsidian emits a light level of 10, which is not high enough to melt snow or ice.

In Conclusion

Crying obsidian might not function as a portal building material in the traditional sense, but its role in the Minecraft universe extends far beyond simple decoration. From its use in crafting Respawn Anchors to its symbolic presence in ruined portals, crying obsidian adds depth, complexity, and lore to the game. Understanding its properties and uses is crucial for any Minecraft player looking to master the Nether and unlock its secrets.