To successfully traverse dimensions and confront the Ender Dragon, you must first master the construction of the portal frame. The question of what blocks do you need to make an ender portal is fundamental for any player looking to end their survival journey in the overworld. Without the correct materials, you will be stranded, staring at the obsidian frame, unable to activate the swirling purple gateway.
Understanding the Frame Requirements
The very foundation of the portal is built upon obsidian, a block created when water meets a lava source block. You cannot use obsidian that is generated naturally from ruined portals or springs; you must craft it yourself to ensure you have the precise amount required. The structure is rigid and unforgiving, demanding exact placement of these dark, glassy blocks in a specific pattern.
Block 1: Obsidian
Obsidian is the most critical component, serving as the boundary between reality and the End. You will need a total of 10 blocks if you are building the frame in the overworld. This count includes the corners and the lower base, but excludes the optional eye of ender placement inside the frame. Mining this block requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe, making it a resource-intensive project that signals your commitment to entering the mysterious realm.
Block 2: Eyes of Ender
While the obsidian forms the shell, the Eyes of Ender are the soul that brings the portal to life. These items are crafted by combining Ender Pearls, which drop from Endermen, with Blaze Powder, which you obtain from Blazes in the Nether. You will need to gather 12 of these items to activate the portal, though you only need to place 10 of them in the frame to open it.
The Construction Layout
Placement is everything when arranging the blocks. The frame must be a perfect rectangle, measuring 4 blocks wide by 5 blocks tall. The corners are non-negotiable; if you leave them out, the portal will remain inert. Between these corners, you will place a straight line of obsidian for the sides and a line of three obsidian for the top and bottom middle sections.
The chart above illustrates the exact positions for the 10 obsidian blocks required. Numbers 1 through 10 represent the placement order for the frame, while numbers 11 through 20 represent the air pocket where you will stand. Note that the inner 3x4 area must be empty to allow the portal to function.
Activation and Travel
Once the frame is built, you must insert an Eye of Ender into each of the 10 obsidian blocks. The eyes will float within the frame, emitting a distinctive purple glow when the portal is active. To step through, you simply walk into the central void; falling into the purple vortex will transport you to the End, a separate dimension filled with floating islands and the Ender Dragon.
