Key Goals: Obtain rare materials (nether quartz, blaze rods, netherite) and gather the resources required to eventually defeat the Ender Dragon.
Nether Portal Placement: Build your portal in a secure room within your base. Protect the Overworld side with walls and iron doors. On the Nether side, immediately build a cobblestone or basalt enclosure around your portal to shield against ghasts.
Potion & Fire Resistance: Gather blaze rods from nether fortresses to brew potions. Fire resistance potions are invaluable when dealing with lava lakes and blazes. Always keep a cauldron of water (for the overworld) or a fire-resistance potion (in the Nether) handy.
Hunting Wither Skeletons & Blazes: Secure blaze rods for brewing and wither skeleton skulls for future boss fights. Create safe corridors in nether fortresses and use a shield to block attacks. Loot chests carefully; fortresses can contain valuable loot, including diamonds and horse armor.
End Preparation: Defeat endermen in warped forests or build an Enderman farm in the Overworld to gather enough ender pearls. Combine these with blaze powder to craft Eyes of Ender. Properly gearing up with diamond or netherite armor, enchanted weapons, and potions will ensure you’re ready to face the Ender Dragon.
