Back in the day, we were told to never run in the Nether. If we did, well, we probably died in hot lava. With all these new features, new biomes, and new structures — the Nether is much more interesting to traverse. So gear up, and take down some Fire Resistance potions, because we’re going to explore this hellish abyss.
All Minecraft Nether Biomes
In no special order, Barish will guide us through the basics. First up is the classic Nether Wastes!
Nether Wastes
The Nether Wastes are what most Minecraft veterans think of when they think about the Nether. When the Nether first appeared, these biomes matched their name — it was a (mostly) barren wasteland. Nether Fortresses were added soon after the Nether, but for a short period of time, the Nether Wastes were just a lot of Netherrack in various formations and sporadic chunks of lava. As you can see in the image above, things are thankfully a bit different. The Nether Wastes are now home to structures like Bastion Remnants, Nether Fortresses, and blocks for harvesting Quartz and Glowstone.
Crimson Forest
Like the Nether Wastes, the Crimson Forest is true to its name. It is one of the two forested biomes in the Nether and has a deep red color scheme. Pictured above, you see some local inhabitants of this eerie forest: the Hoglin and the Zombified Piglin. One can only wonder what’s covering the forest to give it its signature crimson hue. In this Biome, you’ll also find blocks like Shroomlight and Crimson Nylium, as well as rare structures such as Ruined Portals and globs of Crimson Fungus.
Warped Forest
Barish, our brave Nether Explorer, didn’t need to go far to find a Warped Forest. It was right next to the Crimson Forest! The Warped Forest is home to much less intimidating aqua colored trees, but if you are around long enough, you’ll hear some quite unsettling sounds. Like its sister biome, it is contians rare structures and blocks like nylium (the Warped variant, of course). However, it is populated by a different set of mobs — the well known Enderman, and the relatively new Strider.
Basalt Deltas
According to some people, the Basalt Delta is the most dangerous biome in the Nether. Ghasts rule this Biome, along with the much smaller, but much riskier Magma Cubes. Traversing the terrain in a Basalt Delta is difficult, so a Potion of Feather Falling is recommended. Here you can see Barish casually posing in front said terrain, perfectly satisfied with his decision to NOT go any further. This is currently the only place to find the Delta and Basalt Column structures.
Soul Sand Valley
Soul Sand Valleys boast the remnants of massive creatures. Large bone structures are often found protruding from the ground, and Skeletons are frequently encountered. As you can see, Barish feels he’s safe enough to taunt the skeleton by taking off his armor. Like the Basalt Delta, though, the Soul Sand Valley has some of the creepiest sounds you’ll hear in Minecraft. You can occasionally find Soul Sand in the Nether Wastes, but if you are planning and big projects that involve Soul Sand and Soul Soil, you’ll have to visit one of these Biomes.
Back to the Overworld!
Even a quick trip to the Nether in Survival Mode is dangerous. However, the Nether and its various Biomes are necessary if you want to do things like brew potions, make Netherrite Armor, or access convenient material like Glowstone Dust and Quartz. As mentioned prior, stock up as best you can on food and gear, and brave the Nether Portal if you want to access the more advanced features of Survival Mode.
Most importantly: Do NOT run in the Nether!
If you are interested in more information about what you can achieve in the Nether, we have other great articles on Pro Game Guides. Be sure to check out Brewing the Healing Potion, and challenge the Wither to get the Nether Star!
