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Obsidian Overload: Mastering Nether Portal Sizes in Minecraft

The burning question on every aspiring Nether explorer’s mind: How much obsidian do I need for the biggest portal? The short answer is 184 blocks of obsidian. The largest possible Nether portal frame is 23×23, and since the corners don’t need to be filled, that’s (23 * 4) + (21 * 4) = 92 + 84 = 184 obsidian blocks. That said, you can use more if you want the corners filled. Now, let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of Nether portal construction and explore all the nuances of obsidian usage!

The Obsidian Portal: A Gateway to Adventure (and Peril!)

The Nether portal is your gateway to the fiery dimension of the Nether, a crucial stepping stone in Minecraft progression. Whether you’re seeking Blaze Rods for brewing, exploring for Ancient Debris, or just trying to get somewhere faster using the Nether’s travel mechanics (1 block in the Nether is 8 blocks in the Overworld!), a reliable Nether portal is essential. Understanding the limitations and possibilities of portal size is vital for efficient base building and resource gathering.

Understanding Portal Dimensions

Nether portals aren’t just square boxes of obsidian; they’re carefully constructed frames that adhere to specific size restrictions. Here’s a breakdown:

Minimum Size: The smallest functional portal is 4 blocks wide and 5 blocks tall (4×5). You only need 10 obsidian to make this.
Maximum Size: The largest allowed portal frame measures 23 blocks wide and 23 blocks tall (23×23). As we’ve already established, that calls for 184 obsidian blocks.
Corner Blocks: The corner blocks of the portal frame are optional. The portal will function perfectly well without them, and the game will happily generate a rectangular portal without corners. This quirk allows you to save on obsidian if you’re running low, but for aesthetic purposes, most players include them.

Why Size Matters (Sort Of)

While larger portals don’t offer any functional advantages over smaller ones (in terms of functionality), building larger portals, such as a 23×23, is a popular way to show off a player’s skill and dedication within Minecraft. Larger portals also offer increased visibility, making them harder to miss (or accidentally fall into). Additionally, larger portals will have higher durability. The larger the portal, the longer it would take for a creeper explosion or similar to destroy the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nether Portals

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding Nether Portals:

Can I use Crying Obsidian for Nether portals? No, sadly, crying obsidian cannot be used to construct Nether portals. Despite its visual similarity to regular obsidian, it lacks the necessary properties to create the portal frame. Crying Obsidian is used to make Respawn Anchors.
What happens if I try to light a portal made of Crying Obsidian? If you build a frame of crying obsidian and try to activate it with Flint and Steel, nothing will happen. The portal won’t light.
What’s the minimum obsidian needed for a functional Nether portal? The absolute minimum is 10 obsidian blocks, arranged in a 4×5 rectangle without the corner blocks.
Do Nether portals have to be rectangular? Yes, Nether portals must be rectangular. Any other shape simply won’t work. However, keep in mind that the corners of the rectangle are not required.
Can a creeper destroy my Nether portal? A creeper explosion is unlikely to destroy a Nether Portal unless it is at the minimum size, or if an explosion directly impacts the bottom Obsidian blocks. Obsidian is highly blast-resistant, and larger portals offer greater structural integrity against explosions.
What happens if my Nether portal gets destroyed? If your Nether portal is destroyed while you’re in the Nether, you’ll be stranded! Always carry the materials for a new portal with you when venturing into the Nether.
How do I link two Nether portals together? Nether portal linking relies on a simple mathematical principle. The Nether is 1/8th the scale of the Overworld. To link portals correctly, divide the Overworld coordinates of your destination by 8, then build a portal as close as possible to those coordinates in the Nether. If the Nether Portal you are coming out of is off, it will find the nearest Nether Portal.
Can I control where I emerge from the Nether in the Overworld? Yes, by carefully coordinating the locations of your Nether portals and applying the 8:1 scale ratio, you can dictate where you’ll appear in the Overworld.
Why is my Nether portal taking me to the wrong place? Incorrect portal linking is often caused by miscalculations or building portals too close together in either dimension. Double-check your coordinates and ensure accurate placement.
Are Nether portals infinite? The Nether itself is horizontally infinite in both Java and Bedrock Editions. However, there are build height limits, which are generally lower than in the Overworld.
Can the Ender Dragon destroy obsidian? No, the Ender Dragon cannot destroy obsidian. Obsidian is highly resistant to explosions and dragon breath.
Why can’t I break obsidian quickly? Obsidian has an incredibly high hardness. You need a diamond or Netherite pickaxe to mine it, and even then, it takes a considerable amount of time. For maximum efficiency, use a pickaxe with the Efficiency enchantment.
What are Ruined Portals? Ruined Portals are naturally generated structures found in both the Overworld and the Nether. They’re remnants of broken Nether portals, often containing chests with valuable loot, including obsidian and flint and steel.
Is obsidian stronger than crying obsidian? In terms of blast resistance and hardness, obsidian and crying obsidian are identical. The key difference lies in their functionality. Obsidian creates Nether portals, while crying obsidian crafts Respawn Anchors.
Where can I learn more about Minecraft game design and educational opportunities? Explore the resources and community at the Games Learning Society, a fantastic platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more!

Tips and Tricks for Obsidian Acquisition and Portal Construction

Lava and Water Method: If you’re short on obsidian but have access to lava and water, you can create your own obsidian by pouring water onto stationary lava. This is a slow but reliable method.
Diamond Efficiency: Invest in a diamond pickaxe with the Efficiency enchantment to expedite obsidian mining. Haste beacons can further accelerate the process.
Nether Fortress Mining: Nether fortresses often generate above lava lakes. Be careful, but lava lakes typically contain obsidian.
Backup Flint and Steel: Always carry a spare flint and steel, or a Fire Charge, in case your primary one breaks or gets lost.
Portal Placement: Consider the surrounding environment when placing your portal. Avoid building it near cliffs or lava pools to prevent accidental falls or disasters.
Decorate your portal: Spruce it up! Surround it with blocks, whether they be bricks, stones, planks or whatever else you find appealing. This is a great way to differentiate the portal from a generated portal.
Test Portals with a friend: If your portals are still not linking correctly, have a friend follow you, with them being the only other person in the server, and let them test if the portal will take them to the correct location.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of Nether portal construction is a key skill for any serious Minecraft player. By understanding the dimensions, limitations, and best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create efficient and aesthetically pleasing portals that serve as gateways to endless adventures in the fiery depths of the Nether. Happy exploring!

How much obsidian for the biggest portal?