How do you find the underworld in Minecraft?

To find the "underworld" in Minecraft, you need to access The Nether, which is the game's primary alternate dimension often referred to as an underworld due to its harsh, subterranean nature. You achieve this by constructing and activating a Nether Portal.

What is the Minecraft Underworld (The Nether)?

In Minecraft, the "underworld" is known as The Nether. It is the second dimension in Minecraft, and can be accessed via the main Overworld using a Nether Portal. This dimension is an extremely inhospitable place, located completely underground. It features innumerable amounts of lavafalls that pool into the bottom of its various biomes, making it a dangerous yet resource-rich environment. The Nether is home to unique hostile mobs, new biomes, and essential crafting materials not found in the Overworld.

Essential Materials for a Nether Portal

To construct a Nether Portal, you'll primarily need two items:

• Obsidian: This is the main building block for the portal frame.
  • You need at least 10 obsidian blocks for the smallest functional portal frame.
  • Obsidian is formed when water flows over a lava source block. To mine it, you must use a Diamond Pickaxe or a Netherite Pickaxe; any lesser pickaxe will not yield the block.
  • Tip: A common strategy is to bring water buckets to a lava pool and strategically place water to create obsidian, then mine it.
• Flint and Steel: Used to ignite and activate the portal frame.
  • Crafted by combining 1 Flint (found by shoveling gravel) and 1 Iron Ingot (smelted from iron ore).

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Nether Portal

Creating your gateway to the Nether is a straightforward process:

1. Gather Obsidian: Mine at least 10 blocks of obsidian using a diamond (or netherite) pickaxe.

2. Craft Flint and Steel: Combine one flint and one iron ingot at a crafting table.

3. Construct the Frame: Build a rectangular frame using the obsidian blocks.

   • The minimum size for a functional portal is 4 blocks wide by 5 blocks high (outer dimensions), which requires 14 obsidian blocks for the full frame, or 10 if you use corner blocks made of another material (e.g., cobblestone).

   • The inner opening must be 2 blocks wide by 3 blocks high.

   • Here are some common portal dimensions:

     Portal Dimension (Width x Height)	Obsidian Blocks Needed
     4x5 (minimum with corners)	14
     4x5 (minimum without obsidian corners)	10
     5x5	16
     23x23 (maximum possible)	84

4. Activate the Portal: With the frame complete, equip your Flint and Steel and right-click (or use the equivalent action button) on any of the inner obsidian blocks of the frame. This will ignite the portal, filling the inner space with a shimmering purple effect.

5. Enter the Nether: Step into the purple shimmering area, and after a brief loading screen, you will be transported to The Nether.

Preparing for Your Journey to The Nether

The Nether is a perilous place, so preparation is key to survival:

• Armor and Weapons: Bring your best enchanted armor (diamond or netherite is highly recommended) and powerful weapons (swords, bows).
• Food: Pack plenty of food to restore your hunger and health.
• Potions: Consider bringing Fire Resistance potions, as lava is ubiquitous, and Healing Potions for quick health recovery.
• Building Blocks: Bring non-flammable blocks like cobblestone or basalt to build bridges over lava, protect yourself from mobs, or mark paths.
• Spawn Point: Ensure your Overworld spawn point is set (e.g., by sleeping in a bed) before you enter the Nether, as you cannot use beds in the Nether without them exploding.
• Light Sources: Torches or other light sources are useful, though the Nether has its own ambient light.
• Shield: A shield can be invaluable for blocking attacks from mobs like Ghasts and Blazes.

Navigating The Nether

Upon entering, you might find yourself in a variety of Nether biomes, from the crimson forests to the soul sand valleys or basalt deltas. Be wary of common hostile mobs such as:

• Zombified Piglins: Generally neutral unless provoked.
• Ghasts: Large, flying, fire-spitting mobs.
• Blazes: Found in Nether Fortresses, they shoot fireballs.
• Wither Skeletons: Also found in Nether Fortresses, inflict the Wither effect.
• Hoglins and Striders: Found in specific biomes.

The Nether offers unique resources like Netherite, Glowstone, Nether Quartz, and Wither Skeleton Skulls, all essential for advanced crafting and progression.

Minecraft Dimensions