Unlocking the Nether: The Minimum Obsidian Requirement for a Portal
So, you’re itching to jump into the fiery depths of the Nether in Minecraft? Awesome! One of the first hurdles is gathering the necessary resources, and obsidian tops that list. Let’s cut straight to the chase: the absolute minimum obsidian you need to activate a Nether portal is 10 blocks. Yes, you read that right. Just ten! Now, let’s dive into the why, how, and other obsidian-related curiosities.
The Nitty-Gritty: Crafting the Minimalist Portal
While 14 obsidian blocks allow you to construct a complete, aesthetically pleasing portal frame, the ingenious Minecraft community has discovered ways to shave off those extra blocks and get the job done with just 10. The key lies in understanding the portal’s structural requirements.
A Nether portal is essentially a vertical, rectangular frame of obsidian that’s then activated with flint and steel. The minimum dimensions for this frame are 4 blocks wide and 5 blocks tall. Crucially, the corner blocks are not essential for the portal to function. This is where the magic happens.
Imagine building your portal. You create a base that is 4 blocks wide, 5 blocks tall, and 1 block thick. So you need 4 blocks for the base and 4 blocks for the top. This will give you eight. For the sides, you will need one block on each side. This bring the total to ten blocks. Voila! A functional portal using the bare minimum of obsidian. Just make sure you place other blocks like dirt or cobblestone on each of the four corners.
Obsidian Acquisition: A Quick Word
Obtaining obsidian involves either finding it naturally (relatively rare) or creating it yourself. Creating obsidian requires water interacting with lava. This can be achieved by pouring water over a lava source block or by pouring lava into water. Diamond pickaxes are a must when mining. Without it, the block will be mined but not drop for you to pickup. Remember that this can only be mined with a diamond pickaxe or a Netherite pickaxe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nether Portals and Obsidian
Can I make a portal with 7 obsidian?
Absolutely not. The bare minimum for a functional Nether portal frame is 10 obsidian blocks. Anything less, and the game simply won’t recognize it as a valid portal structure.
Can a Nether Portal be 5×5?
Yes, a 5×5 portal works, as long as it is rectangular! The size refers to the internal dimensions of the portal. The minimum size is 4×5, but you can go larger! The largest a portal can be is 23×23.
Can you make a Nether Portal with 6 obsidian?
No, a Nether portal requires a minimum of 10 obsidian blocks due to the 4×5 block structure.
What is the smallest Nether Portal?
As mentioned earlier, the smallest possible size for a Nether portal is 4 × 5 blocks (width x height). This refers to the dimensions of the rectangular opening.
What is crying obsidian used for?
Crying obsidian is a fascinating variant of obsidian that, despite its cool appearance, cannot be used to create Nether portals. Its primary use is in crafting Respawn Anchors, which allow players to set respawn points within the Nether itself. Combine 6 Crying Obsidian with 3 Glowstone to make a Respawn Anchor.
Is Obsidian Portal free?
The article mentions “Obsidian Portal”, which is a website dedicated to online role-playing game (RPG) campaign management. It has both free and premium tiers. Be aware that this is NOT related to building Nether Portals in Minecraft.
Does crying obsidian work in portals?
Again, no. Crying obsidian cannot be used to construct Nether portal frames. It serves a different purpose altogether, primarily for crafting Respawn Anchors.
How many blocks is 1 block in the nether?
This is a common question! Traveling in the Nether offers a faster way to cover long distances in the Overworld. One block traveled in the Nether equals eight blocks traveled in the Overworld. This makes the Nether a handy shortcut.
What is the rarest portal in Minecraft?
The article mentions double End Portals as being incredibly rare. However, a similar question within the context of the Nether would refer to glitched or unusual portal generation. These could be portals that intersect with structures in unexpected ways, creating visually striking or strategically advantageous spawn points.
Do ruined portals always have chests?
Ruined portals are a great source of early-game resources. All ruined portals generate with a chest on Bedrock Edition. On Java Edition the chest may be replaced if terrain overrides it.
How rare is crying obsidian?
Crying Obsidian is relatively rare. It can be found in ruined portals and bastion remnants, but these are not consistent occurrences. You will have to explore to find it.
Why can’t you use crying obsidian?
Because, that is just not part of the game design. Crying obsidian cannot be used to build Nether Portals. Instead, Crying Obsidian represents regular Obsidian which has been used for Nether transport too much, resulting in its crying appearance.
Can you craft crying obsidian?
No, you cannot craft crying obsidian from regular obsidian. It must be found naturally in the world.
Does water break nether portals?
Only if the water is flowing. It’s also important to remember that once a Nether portal is created and lit, simply flowing water through the portal frame WILL deactivate it.
Can obsidian turn into crying obsidian?
No, there is no way to convert normal obsidian into crying obsidian within the game’s mechanics. The only way to find crying obsidian is naturally.
Beyond the Basics: Obsidian and the Games Learning Society
Minecraft, with its creative possibilities and problem-solving challenges, offers valuable learning experiences. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explore the educational potential of games like Minecraft. They investigate how game mechanics can foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Final Thoughts: Portal Mastery
Mastering the art of Nether portal construction, even with the bare minimum of obsidian, is a rite of passage for any Minecraft player. So, gather your resources, hone your crafting skills, and prepare to brave the fiery landscapes of the Nether!