The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To build a Nether Portal in Minecraft, make an upright obsidian frame around a 2-by-3-block opening, ignite a block inside it with flint and steel, then walk into the purple portal surface and wait for the transfer. You need at least 10 obsidian blocks if you leave out the four corners; a complete 4-by-5 outline uses 14.
What you need
- Obsidian: at least 10 blocks for a frame with omitted corners, or 14 for the full rectangular outline.
- Flint and steel: use this in-game item to ignite the frame.
These are Minecraft inventory items; you do not need real-world obsidian or flint and steel. Minecraft’s official Nether guide describes the frame and ignition method.
How to build and enter the portal
- Place the frame upright. Build a rectangle four blocks wide and five blocks tall, leaving a 2-by-3 opening in the middle. The four corner blocks are optional: without them, the frame takes 10 obsidian; with them, it takes 14.
- Ignite the inside. Use flint and steel on a block inside the frame. When activated, the opening fills with a translucent purple surface.
- Enter the portal. Walk into the purple area and wait for the dimension transition.
Can you use a ruined portal?
Yes, if you repair it first. Ruined portals are incomplete and may be partly buried, so uncover the structure if needed and inspect the frame for gaps. Add obsidian where blocks are missing, then try lighting the inside. A nearby chest may contain obsidian, but its contents are not guaranteed. See Mojang’s ruined portal guide.
| Approach | What to do | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Build a new frame | Place a 4-by-5 outline around a 2-by-3 opening. | Have 10 obsidian for omitted corners or 14 for all blocks. |
| Repair a ruined portal | Uncover it if buried and fill missing frame sections with obsidian. | Do not assume a nearby chest contains the blocks you need. |
If the portal does not activate
- Check that the frame encloses a 2-by-3 opening and that no required frame blocks are missing.
- Try using flint and steel on a space inside the frame.
- If a correctly built frame still does not work in a particular world or server, check its rules and the documentation for your Minecraft edition. Server settings and edition-specific behavior can affect what is possible; the basic guide does not establish one universal cause for every failure.
Which Minecraft edition do you need?
Portal construction is a Minecraft gameplay task, but the available editions depend on your platform. Mojang’s edition guide says Java and Bedrock are sold together as a bundle on PC; that PC bundle detail should not be taken to mean every platform uses the same listing.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 2x Figure, 1x Instruction Manual, 1x Nether Portal Vessel, 1x Tool, 2x Crafting Materials, 1x Treasure, 1x Compound
Rank #3
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft figure comes with 1 Accessory and 1 Portal Piece. You can collect them all to build a complete giant Portal.
- Figures have movable joints, so Minecraft fans can pose them for action and storytelling play!
- Design and personality details stay true to the unique, pixelated world of Minecraft. Perfect for collecting!
- Adventurous fun for kids who love exploration, creativity and survival the Minecraft way.
- A great gift for video-game players and fans who love adventure, ages 6 years old and up!
Rank #2
- Capture the excitement and adventurous play of Minecraft
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft action figure comes with accessories to re-create favorite in-game moments
- The character figures are posable with movable joints for even more ways to play
- The designs of the figures and accessories stay true to the unique, pixelated world of Minecraft
- Makes a great toy for video-game players and fans ages 6 years old and up, who will want them all (Each sold separately, subject to availability.)
#1 Best Overall
- MINECRAFT TOY FOR KIDS – Transport young gaming fans straight to adventure with the Nether & End Portal Journey (21584) LEGO Minecraft building toy for boys and girls ages 7 years old and up
- 3 LEGO FIGURES, 2 PORTALS – This playset with toy figures includes a Cool Hero minifigure, plus Enderman and a baby hoglin figures, and features 2 portals with functions to access builds from each biome
- ACCESSORIES FOR PRETEND PLAY – Features authentic accessories including an enchanted bow and healing potion to inspire endless creative adventures
- INSPIRE CREATIVE STORYTELLING – Kids can help the Cool Hero pass through the Nether and End portal, which have functions to access and explore builds from each biome GIFT FOR GIRLS & BOYS – Makes a fun birthday gift or anytime present for kids and gaming fans who love Minecraft toys and hands-on creative play
- A FUN WAY TO BUILD – The LEGO Builder app provides easy-to-follow instructions where kids can save sets, track progress, and zoom in to rotate models in 3D while building
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