Minecraft: How to Make a Nether Portal Guide

If you are new to Minecraft and can't go to the Nether, the following guide is for you.

A Nether Portal is a gateway to one of the most dangerous yet rewarding dimensions in Minecraft. And there are lots of useful materials in the Nether like Nether Quartz, Blaze Rods, and Ancient Debris, which are all required later in the game. It’s simple to build your first portal once you have the proper materials, but preparation before entering can make all the difference.

Collect the Materials

The most important ingredient is obsidian. A typical Nether Portal needs a minimum of 10 obsidian blocks if you leave out the corners, or 14 blocks for the full frame.

Obsidian is created when water flows over a lava source block. It can only be mined with a diamond pickaxe or better. You will also need flint and steel, which are crafted from one iron ingot and one flint, to light the portal when it is constructed.

Construct the Portal Frame

Pick a safe, open location for your portal. On the outside, vertically, place the obsidian in a rectangle four blocks wide, five blocks tall. Remove the contents of the frame. If you're saving obsidian, you can leave out the four corner blocks and the portal will still work.

Before you try to activate it, double-check that each block is in the right place.

Activate the Portal

Get your flint and steel ready and use it on one of the obsidian blocks inside the frame. If the structure is done correctly, the center will immediately have a swirling purple portal. E

nter the portal and stand in it for a few seconds to be taken to the Nether. Don't go too far away during this time or the teleportation process will reset.

Get Ready for Your First Trip

You should note down the coordinates of the portal in the Overworld in case you get lost and can't go back home easily. Gather enough food before you enter the Nether. Wear the best armor you have, and carry some good weapons.

Carry building blocks to fill in gaps or block off dangerous areas and pack extra tools to mine valuable resources. Your first visit to the Nether will be much safer and you can then proceed to the next chapter of your Minecraft adventure.

Also, check our Minecraft review and other guides below:

• Minecraft: How to Protect Base from Mobs Guide
• Minecraft: Beginner's Mistakes Guide and How to Avoid Them
• Minecraft: How to Create a Simple XP Farm Guide
• Minecraft: Beginner's Guide to Crafting and Tools