How to Make an Ender Portal: A Step-by-Step Guide for Minecraft Players

Creating an Ender Portal in Minecraft is one of the most iconic and exciting things a player can do. Whether you're ready to reach the End, explore fortress ruins, or complete epic quests, making an Ender Portal is a key skill for any Minecraft enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know on how to make an Ender Portal, including materials, crafting steps, and custom tips to unlock the portal faster.


Understanding the Context

Why Is the Ender Portal Special?

The Ender Portal is one of Minecraft’s most powerful portals, connecting your world to the treacherous yet rewarding End dimension. Crafting it lets you explore ancient obsidian structures, battle the Ender Dragon, and collect unheard treasures. Mastering its creation ensures you’re ready for any adventure!


What You Need to Make an Ender Portal

Key Insights

To build a functional Ender Portal, you’ll need:

  • Obsidian Blocks (at least 12) – These form the frame and frame ring.
  • Blaze Rod(s) – 4 rods to bind the portal frame.
  • Eyes of Ender – Typically 6, to activate the portal.

Disclaimer: Obsidian can only be mined below water level in the End dimension. Plan your travel or gather obsidian beforehand!


Step-by-Step Instructions to Craft an Ender Portal

Final Thoughts

Step 1: Gather Obsidian

The foundation of your portal is obsidian. Find or mine blocks below water in the End dimension. Keep in mind that raw obsidian is too fragile—you must craft it into blocks using water. Place the obsidian easily using the following recipe:

  • Place a single obsidian block on a base, pour water around it, break it, repeat until blocks form.
  • You’ll need 12 obsidian blocks arranged in a square frame, roughly 4 blocks high and 5 blocks wide (including walls and frame).

Step 2: Assemble the Portal Frame

Using 4 Blaze Rods, place each rod diagonally at the corners and along the sides of the obsidian frame. The rods act as the portal’s frame and help channel the magical energy.
Your frame should look like this:

  +-------+  
  |       |  
  | OOOOO |  
  |       |  
  +-------+  

Replace “O” with your obsidian blocks.

Step 3: Activate the Portal with Eyes of Ender

Place the Eyes of Ender inside the portal frame—6 total, spaced evenly on the inside walls. This “activates” the portal, casting a shimmering blue glow.

Step 4: Step Through to Enter the End

Stand inside the completed portal frame. The obstacle blocks will dissolve and teleport you into the End dimension—ready for your next adventure!


Tips & Tricks to Speed Up Portal Creation

  • Precast Obsidian Structures: Use a pickaxe enchanted with Enchantment: Optimal (via an enchantment table) to quickly carve obsidian blocks before arrival.
  • Using a Stronghold or End Portal Set: If near a stronghold, build around active portals and bypass manual creation.
  • Ender Core Optimization: Activating the portal with just 6 Eyes of Ender works, but adding more enhances safety and energy efficiency.
  • Avoid Widow’s Jest: Always ensure your construction is fully enclosed—partial frames may not open or trigger the portal properly.

Why Knowing How to Make an Ender Portal Matters

Beyond gameplay challenges, building an Ender Portal enhances your mastery of Minecraft’s mechanics. It’s a gateway to mastering interdimensional travel, Redstone contraptions that spawn portals, and planning heist-style raids on End strongholds.