Ruined Portal Guide (Java)
Echoes of the Past
Ruined Portals are the decaying remains of ancient Nether gateways. Found in both the Overworld and the Nether, they provide vital resources for early-game dimension hopping.
Scavenging for Materials
Every ruined portal comes with a loot chest containing gold tools, flints, and often enough obsidian to finish the portal itself. It's the fastest way to reach the Nether without a diamond pickaxe.
The Crying Obsidian Mystery
You'll often see glowing purple 'Crying Obsidian' blocks. These cannot be used to light the portal, but they are essential for crafting Respawn Anchors if you plan on living in the Nether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a portal be too big?
Naturally generated ruined portals are often incomplete. You can fix them using regular obsidian, as long as the frame is at least 4x5 blocks.