How to Make an Obsidian Generator in Minecraft

Introduction to Obsidian Generators

Obsidian is one of Minecraft's most valuable and versatile blocks, used for creating nether portals, end portals, beacons, and as a blast-resistant building material. While traditionally obtained by mining naturally occurring obsidian with a diamond pickaxe, there are several methods to generate unlimited obsidian in your world.

Obsidian forms when water flows directly into a lava source block (not flowing lava). By controlling and automating this interaction, we can create renewable obsidian farms for all your building needs.

Basic Obsidian Generator (Manual)

This simple design allows you to create obsidian on demand. While not fully automatic, it's perfect for early-game when you need obsidian for a nether portal or enchanting table.

Step-by-Step Construction

1. Create a small pool that is 2x2 blocks and 1 block deep.
2. Surround the pool with blocks to contain the liquids.
3. Place your lava source block in one corner of the pool.
4. When you want to create obsidian, pour water from your bucket into the opposite corner.
5. The water will flow into the lava source block, converting it to obsidian.
6. Mine the obsidian with your diamond pickaxe.
7. Collect the water with your empty bucket.
8. Replace the lava source block and repeat as needed.

B B B B
B L 0 B
B 0 W B
B B B B
                        

Nether Portal Based Obsidian Generator

This more advanced method uses the mechanics of nether portals to generate obsidian. When a nether portal is broken by an explosion, it drops 0-3 obsidian blocks (depending on random chance).

Basic Concept

The portal-based generator works on this principle:

1. Build a nether portal (10 obsidian blocks).
2. Light the portal with flint and steel.
3. Use TNT or end crystals to create an explosion near the portal.
4. The explosion breaks the portal, potentially dropping obsidian blocks.
5. Collect the obsidian and rebuild the portal.
6. Over time, you'll generate more obsidian than you initially invested.

End Portal Frame Method (Creative or Advanced Survival)

This technique uses the unique properties of end portal frames to generate obsidian automatically. It's more complex but creates a truly renewable source.

Working Principle

This generator exploits how the end portal frame interacts with liquids:

• When a dispenser places water above an end portal frame, the water source remains but doesn't flow.
• When lava is dispensed next to this water, it creates obsidian.
• With proper timing and redstone, this can be automated indefinitely.

Basalt Delta Method (1.16+)

Introduced in the Nether Update (1.16), this method uses the basalt deltas biome in the Nether to generate obsidian safely and relatively quickly.

Working Principle

In the basalt deltas biome, small patches of obsidian generate naturally. By mining these and allowing the chunks to unload and reload, you can effectively "farm" obsidian without creating traditional generators.

How to Use This Method

1. Locate a basalt deltas biome in the Nether (recognizable by its gray landscape and ash particles).
2. Create a safe platform and base of operations.
3. Search for and mine all obsidian in the area.
4. Move far enough away for the chunks to unload (at least 128 blocks).
5. Return to the area to find newly generated obsidian patches.
6. Repeat as needed.

Wither Cage Obsidian Generator

This advanced technique uses a trapped Wither boss to generate obsidian automatically. It's complex to set up but creates a truly automatic farm.

Working Principle

This generator works because:

• The Wither boss can break most blocks with its explosions
• When the Wither destroys end portal frames (in creative mode) or certain other arrangements, obsidian can be generated
• By containing the Wither and controlling where its explosions occur, you can automate obsidian production

Obsidian Renewability Across Minecraft Versions

Common Issues and Solutions