How to Make and Activate an End Portal in Minecraft

Dragon and explore the End Cities. This guide will detail everything you need to know about crafting and activating an End Portal, including the materials required, step-by-step instructions, and tips for a successful journey into the End.

Understanding the End Portal

The End Portal is a frame that consists of 12 End Portal Frames arranged in a rectangular shape. Once activated, the portal allows players to enter the End dimension. The portal itself is a 3×3 square that appears in the center of the frame when activated. Each of the portal frames requires a specific item, and players must find the portal in strongholds, which are generated structures underground.

Key Features of the End Portal

• Dimension Travel: The primary purpose of the End Portal is to transport players to the End dimension.
• Ender Dragon Battle: The End dimension is home to the Ender Dragon, one of Minecraft’s primary bosses.
• End Cities: After defeating the Ender Dragon, players can explore End Cities to find valuable loot and Elytra.

Materials Needed

Before constructing and activating the End Portal, players need to gather specific materials:

1. End Portal Frames (12 Total):
   • Can be found in strongholds.
   • Must be placed in a specific arrangement to form the portal.
2. Eyes of Ender (12 Total):
   • Crafting requires Blaze Powder and Ender Pearls.
   • Used to activate the portal by placing them in the End Portal Frames.

Crafting the Eyes of Ender

To create Eyes of Ender, players need:

• Blaze Powder: Obtained by placing Blaze Rods (dropped by Blazes) in a crafting table.
• Ender Pearls: Dropped by Endermen, which can be found in the Overworld, Nether, or End.

The crafting recipe is simple:

1. Open the crafting interface.
2. Place one Blaze Powder and one Ender Pearl in any combination in the crafting grid.
3. Collect the Eyes of Ender.

Finding a Stronghold

To locate a stronghold where the End Portal is located, players must use Eyes of Ender:

1. Hold the Eye of Ender in your hand and right-click (or tap) to throw it.
2. The Eye will fly in the direction of the nearest stronghold. After a few moments, it will drop back down.
3. Collect the Eye and repeat the process until the Eye drops straight down, indicating you are above the stronghold.
4. Dig down carefully to avoid falling into lava or other dangers.

Constructing the End Portal

Once you have located the stronghold, follow these steps to construct the End Portal:

Step 1: Find the Portal Room

Inside the stronghold, look for the portal room, which contains a silverfish spawner and the End Portal Frame. The portal room has a distinct appearance, featuring stone bricks and a unique design.

Step 2: Place the End Portal Frames

If the portal room has frames already in place, you can skip to the activation step. However, if you need to place your own frames, do the following:

1. Frame Placement: The frames must be arranged in a 3×3 square with one block missing in the center. The frames should be placed in a square formation as follows:
   • Bottom Row: Place three End Portal Frames on the ground.
   • Middle Row: Place three End Portal Frames directly above the bottom row.
   • Top Row: Place three End Portal Frames directly above the middle row.

   Here’s a visual representation of how the frames should be arranged (X represents an empty block for the portal):

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   [F] [F] [F]
[F] [F] [F]
[F] [F] [F]
[X] [X] [X]


Step 3: Activate the End Portal

To activate the End Portal, players must place the Eyes of Ender in each of the portal frames:

1. Approach each frame and right-click (or tap) while holding an Eye of Ender to place it in the frame.
2. As you place each Eye, the frame will light up. Once all 12 Eyes of Ender are placed, the portal activates, and a starry, black surface appears in the center.

Step 4: Entering the End

To enter the End dimension:

1. Jump into the activated portal.
2. You will be transported to the End dimension, where you can prepare for the Ender Dragon battle.

Preparing for the End

Before jumping into the portal, ensure you are adequately prepared for the challenges in the End dimension:

Essential Gear and Supplies

1. Weapons:
   • A strong bow with arrows (preferably enchanted with Power and Infinity).
   • A good melee weapon (sword or axe), ideally enchanted with Sharpness.
2. Armor:
   • Full diamond or netherite armor is recommended.
   • Enchantments like Protection and Feather Falling can provide added safety.
3. Potions:
   • Health Potions: To restore health during the battle.
   • Strength Potions: To increase damage output.
   • Slow Falling Potions: Helpful for avoiding fall damage from the End.
4. Blocks:
   • Carry blocks like cobblestone to build a protective shelter or climb towers.
   • Use water buckets to prevent fall damage or to combat the Ender Dragon.
5. Food:
   • Bring plenty of food items to restore health and hunger during the battle.

Strategies for Battling the Ender Dragon

Once you arrive in the End dimension, your main goal is to defeat the Ender Dragon. Here are some strategies to ensure victory:

Destroying the End Crystals

1. Climb to the Towers: The Ender Dragon is protected by End Crystals located on top of obsidian pillars. Use blocks to build up to the crystals and destroy them.
2. Bow and Arrow: You can shoot the crystals with your bow from a distance, but be cautious of the dragon’s attacks.

Engaging the Ender Dragon

1. Avoid the Dragon’s Breath: The Ender Dragon has an attack that leaves a lingering area of damage on the ground. Avoid standing in this area.
2. Use Bows for Ranged Attacks: Shoot the dragon when it flies low. Keep moving to avoid its attacks.
3. Melee Attacks: When the dragon lands on the portal, use your melee weapon to deal heavy damage. Just be careful of nearby Endermen!

Dealing with Endermen

• Avoid looking directly at Endermen, as they will become aggressive if you do. If you accidentally anger them, seek shelter beneath a 2-block-high structure to avoid their attacks.

Conclusion

Creating and activating an End Portal in Minecraft is a thrilling process that leads to exciting challenges and opportunities for exploration. By gathering the necessary materials, constructing the portal correctly, and preparing adequately for the End dimension, players can embark on an epic adventure to defeat the Ender Dragon. With the right strategy and preparation, conquering the End becomes a rewarding experience that enhances your Minecraft gameplay. Good luck, and may your journey to the End be filled with adventure!