Minecraft Java Edition – Can Creatures Follow Through Portals?

minecraft-java-edition

Can creatures from both the Nether and the Overworld follow me through a portal? Is it safe to build a portal in the open, or should it be surrounded in a cobblestone hut to prevent unwanted travellers?

Can regular creatures use the portal to enter the Nether, or can I use it to evade them?

Best Answer

Note: This answer applies to Minecraft 1.4.1 and earlier. For newer versions see the other answers.

Mobs can not follow you through a portal. "Follow" meaning continuing a pursuit by entering the portal after you do and chasing you again once you're on the other side.

Currently, the only danger coming from the existence of a portal is the possibility of a Ghast spawning by it in the "Earth", "Overworld" or whatever we now call the main area of the game. The space they need to spawn there is at least 4x4x4 and, according to Notch, their appearance near the portal is "extremely uncommon".