How To Make A Nether Portal In Minecraft (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make Nether Portal With Lava Pool » How To Make A Nether Portal In Minecraft (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Build a Nether Portal With & Without Mining Obsidian PDF download Download Article Use a diamond pickaxe or water & lava to create this portal Co-authored by Zac Churchill

Last Updated: November 8, 2024

PDF download Download Article
  • Using a Diamond Pickaxe
    • |
  • Building a Portal with a Mold
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. This article has been viewed 832,042 times.

Nether Portals are used to transport yourself to the Nether in Minecraft. The portals are created from obsidian, one of the most difficult materials to mine in the game. If you have a diamond pickaxe, you can mine the obsidian and build the portal. If you don't have access to a diamond pickaxe, you can use a "mold" to create a portal structure without doing any mining. Nether Portals are available in all versions of Minecraft.

Constructing a Nether Portal

Use a diamond pickaxe to mine 10-14 obsidian blocks. Then, create a 4x5 frame and light the portal with flint and steel. Or, use water and lava to form the 4x5 obsidian frame.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Using a Diamond Pickaxe

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Get a diamond pickaxe. 1 Get a diamond pickaxe. It can be crafted with three diamonds and two sticks. You will need a diamond pickaxe if you want to mine obsidian.[1] [2]
    • Obsidian allows the player to create a portal to the nether dimension.[3] [4]
    • If you want to build a Nether Portal without a diamond pickaxe, you can build a "mold" using other materials and create obsidian in the correct shape for the portal.
    • Alternatively, you can buy diamond pickaxes from master-level tool smith villagers.
    • See Find and Mine Diamonds Fast on Minecraft for tips on finding diamonds.
    • Diamonds are important in Minecraft because they are the ingredients for some of the most durable and efficient tools.[5] [6]
  2. Step 2 Fill some buckets with water. 2 Fill some buckets with water. Obsidian is created by pouring water onto lava source blocks. One bucket of water will create one block of obsidian. You'll need at least ten blocks of obsidian, and you'll want to have extra water on hand in case something goes wrong, so pack accordingly. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Find lava. 3 Find lava. Lava typically occurs deep underground, though you can stumble across a lava lake anywhere in the world. You'll have a very good chance of finding lava when your y-coordinate is at 11.
  4. Step 4 Pour a water bucket on the side of the wall, over the lava blocks. 4 Pour a water bucket on the side of the wall, over the lava blocks. The principle here is to spread the water over the lava blocks. Any water the lava comes into contact with will become Obsidian.
    • Putting out the lava can also remove your light source. Put some torches down before placing the water so that you can still see.
  5. Step 5 Collect the source water block using an empty bucket. 5 Collect the source water block using an empty bucket. By doing so, the obsidian underneath will be revealed.
  6. Step 6 Using your diamond pickaxe, mine the obsidian. 6 Using your diamond pickaxe, mine the obsidian. You need 10 or more(14 is best) to make a portal. Rinse and repeat the water bucket trick as necessary.
    • Note that mining obsidian takes a very long time (9.40 seconds). You can speed this up with the "Efficiency" enchantment.
    • If you're standing in the water, be careful that the flow doesn't push you into the exposed lava.
  7. Step 7 Build the frame for your Nether Portal. 7 Build the frame for your Nether Portal. You'll likely want to build the frame near your home so that you can easily resupply when you return from the Nether. The frame needs to be at least 4x5 blocks, but you don't need the corners, meaning you'll need 10 obsidian at minimum.[7]
    • Place two obsidian blocks next to each other on the ground, and then place a placeholder block on each end. Place three obsidian blocks in columns on each of the placeholder blocks. Put a placeholder block on the top of each column. Place two more obsidian blocks between the top placeholders. You can now remove the placeholder blocks to create the corner-less frame. The inside area should be 2x3 blocks of empty space.
  8. Step 8 Light the portal with flint and steel. 8 Light the portal with flint and steel. This can be crafted with one iron ingot and one piece of flint arranged in a diagonal formation. The middle of the portal will glow purple when activated.
  9. Step 9 Stand in the portal for a few seconds. 9 Stand in the portal for a few seconds. Depending on how strong your device's processor is, you'll be transported to the Nether in 4 seconds average. You can abort the teleport by stepping out of the portal, though it may be too late when your player's vision starts getting distorted. A return portal will be created in the Nether where you enter.
    • Make sure to bring your flint and steel with you into the Nether. A ghast can put out your return portal, requiring you to re-light it.
      • That being said, you might have to consider bringing extra obsidian, probably another 14 blocks, in case a ghast breaks or destroys the portal (although that is not common considering the strength of obsidian).
    10. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Building a Portal with a Mold

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use this method if you don't have a diamond pickaxe. 1 Use this method if you don't have a diamond pickaxe. You can build a Nether Portal without the use of a diamond pickaxe by constructing a manmade waterfall and using lava buckets to build the obsidian frame.
  2. Step 2 Grab 2 buckets of water, 10 lava buckets, and a stack of cobblestone and dirt. 2 Grab 2 buckets of water, 10 lava buckets, and a stack of cobblestone and dirt. You'll need this to make the frame for your Nether Portal.
  3. Step 3 Dig a 6x1 trench. 3 Dig a 6x1 trench. 6 long, 1 deep. This will be considered the front of the frame.
  4. Step 4 Behind this trench, make a 6x3 high wall, with the 2 center blocks being 4 blocks high. 4 Behind this trench, make a 6x3 high wall, with the 2 center blocks being 4 blocks high.
  5. Step 5 Place dirt blocks at the sides. 5 Place dirt blocks at the sides. You'll need this later to go up your mold.
  6. Step 6 Place 2 water blocks on the opposite ends of your cobblestone mold using your water bucket. 6 Place 2 water blocks on the opposite ends of your cobblestone mold using your water bucket. A mini waterfall should arise.
  7. Step 7 Remember this principle from now on: 7 Remember this principle from now on: Any empty block right next to or directly on top of a water block, will become an obsidian block if you strike it with a lava bucket. Therefore, be careful. If you accidentally create an obsidian block, it will remain there forever until you find a diamond pickaxe.
  8. Step 8 Make a pillar of obsidian 3 blocks high using your water buckets. 8 Make a pillar of obsidian 3 blocks high using your water buckets. Do this for both sides.
  9. Step 9 Notice the trench below with water. 9 Notice the trench below with water. Use your lava buckets and make the base, 2 blocks side by side.
  10. Step 10 Use your empty buckets and collect the 2 water source blocks on top of your cobblestone mold. 10 Use your empty buckets and collect the 2 water source blocks on top of your cobblestone mold. You'll need these to make the top of your Nether Portal.
  11. Step 11 Climb the mold and use your water bucket on the side of the overhang. 11 Climb the mold and use your water bucket on the side of the overhang.
  12. Step 12 Use your lava bucket directly on the water source. 12 Use your lava bucket directly on the water source. The water should be extinguished and an obsidian block will take its place. Do this again for the other side.
  13. Step 13 Know that you now have very own Nether Portal in Minecraft, without the need for a diamond pickaxe! 13 Know that you now have very own Nether Portal in Minecraft, without the need for a diamond pickaxe!
    14. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is the nether all underground? Community Answer Community Answer The nether is not actually located underground, and you won't find it by digging. The nether exists in a different dimension, and can only be accessed by the nether portal. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 52 Helpful 156
  • Question What we can get from Nether? Pewdiepie Vietsub Pewdiepie Vietsub Community Answer From Nether, you can get lots of good stuff, including mobs and a Nether fortress (if you find one). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 43 Helpful 123
  • Question What is the nether made out of? Community Answer Community Answer The nether is comprised mostly of netherrack with lakes and rivers of lava. You'll find occasional soul sand pits, and glowstone will hang from the ceiling. You may be able to find nether quartz in caves. You may come across a nether fortress, loaded with loot and dangerous enemies. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 43 Helpful 115
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Don't use a bed in the Nether, you will explode. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
  • Live near your portal. That way you can jump back through if you are in danger. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
  • Make sure you're prepared by bringing armor, weapons, and food! Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 3
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Always keep a spare ten obsidian with you in the Nether in case your portal gets lost or destroyed. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Make Obsidian in MinecraftThe Ultimate Guide to Making Obsidian in Minecraft Make an Aether Portal in MinecraftHow toMake an Aether Portal in Minecraft Make an Ender Chest in MinecraftHow toMake an Ender Chest in Minecraft Find Diamonds in MinecraftEasy Ways to Find Diamonds in Minecraft Find Diamonds in Minecraft PEHow toFind Diamonds in Minecraft PE Find and Mine Diamonds Fast on MinecraftHow toFind and Mine Diamonds Fast on Minecraft Make a Lodestone in MinecraftHow toMake a Lodestone in Minecraft Make a Minecraft Subway SystemHow toMake a Minecraft Subway System Build an End Portal in MinecraftA Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an End Portal in Minecraft Make an Infinite Lava SourceHow to Create an Infinite Lava Farm in Minecraft Beat MinecraftHow toBeat Minecraft Kill the Wither in MinecraftHow toKill the Wither in Minecraft Make Fire in MinecraftHow toMake Fire in Minecraft Find Nether FortressHow to Locate a Nether Fortress in Minecraft (With & Without Cheats) Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/minecraft/top-5-uses-diamond-minecraft
  2. ↑ Zac Churchill. Minecraft Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/minecraft/top-5-uses-diamond-minecraft
  4. ↑ Zac Churchill. Minecraft Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/minecraft/top-5-uses-diamond-minecraft
  6. ↑ Zac Churchill. Minecraft Specialist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Nether_portal

About This Article

Zac Churchill Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. This article has been viewed 832,042 times. 35 votes - 67% Co-authors: 46 Updated: November 8, 2024 Views: 832,042 Categories: Minecraft Structures Article SummaryX

The easiest way to make a Nether portal in Minecraft is to build a diamond pickaxe with 3 diamonds and 2 sticks. Once you've built the pickaxe, find a water source and fill up at least 10 buckets. Locate a lava lake above the bedrock between level 1-10, then pour water over it to create obsidian. Use the axe to mine 10 blocks of obsidian, then use the blocks to construct the portal frame. Light the portal with flint and steel until it glows orange, then stand in the center. In a few seconds, you'll be in the Nether! If you want to learn how to make the portal using a mold, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German Spanish French Italian Dutch Portuguese Russian Chinese Indonesian Korean Vietnamese Thai Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 832,042 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sarah Baum

    Sarah Baum

    Jun 11, 2017

    "Your instructions were very helpful, as they are quite detailed, making creating a lot easier. Thank you. Pictures..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Zac Churchill Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist 35 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 46 Updated: November 8, 2024 Views: 832,042 Sarah Baum

Sarah Baum

Jun 11, 2017

"Your instructions were very helpful, as they are quite detailed, making creating a lot easier. Thank you. Pictures..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Mar 8, 2017

"When I made the first portal and lit it, it shows purple light. I entered this and I get a room full of nether...." more J. Ray

J. Ray

Jun 23, 2017

"I see my friends doing it, but I never really knew how to make it. This article helped me because I am new to..." more Rated this article: Troy Bannon

Troy Bannon

Aug 2, 2017

"This article helped me to build a Minecraft nether portal. I never have managed to build one before." Rated this article: Mia Ball

Mia Ball

Apr 27, 2017

"At first, I did not know how to make a fire charge but this article really helped me!! " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Minecraft Trivia QuizMinecraft Trivia QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's My Minecraft Style QuizWhat's My Minecraft Style QuizTake QuizWhat Weapon Should I Use In Minecraft QuizWhat Weapon Should I Use In Minecraft QuizTake QuizDeserted Island SimulatorDeserted Island SimulatorPlayThe Impossible QuizThe Impossible QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make Obsidian in MinecraftThe Ultimate Guide to Making Obsidian in MinecraftMake an Aether Portal in MinecraftHow toMake an Aether Portal in MinecraftMake an Ender Chest in MinecraftHow toMake an Ender Chest in MinecraftFind Diamonds in MinecraftEasy Ways to Find Diamonds in Minecraft

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?Attractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizKissHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped Quiz

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Discover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge You10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizWho's My KPop Lookalike QuizHow Vanilla Am I QuizHow Vanilla Am I Quiz

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Is Your Outer Space Personality Type QuizWhat Is Your Outer Space Personality Type QuizTake QuizGhost Hunting GameGhost Hunting GamePlayWhat's My Bending Element QuizWhat's My Bending Element QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Pokémon Type Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Type Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Games
  • Video Games
  • PC Games
  • Online Games
  • Minecraft
  • Minecraft Building
  • Minecraft Structures
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --906

Tag » How To Make Nether Portal With Lava Pool