How to Open and Light the Ancient City Portal

Getting the Heart of The Deep

To open the dimension, first dig deep underground beneath mountainous Overworld terrain to locate a Deep Dark biome and an Ancient City. Once inside the city, trigger nearby Sculk Shriekers until the Warden emerges. Prepare strong gear and defeat the Warden to obtain the Heart of The Deep, the key item required to activate the portal.

Clearing and Lighting the Portal Frame

Walk to the large portal structure standing in the center of the Ancient City and climb up to its inner opening. Inspect every block along the inside edge and break all Sculk Veins inside the inner frame so the portal opening is completely clear. Even a single overlooked vein will stop the portal from activating. Once the inner frame is completely clean, hold the Heart of The Deep and right-click the cleared portal frame to light it. Step through the lit portal to enter the Otherside. As soon as you arrive, press F3 or open your notes and save your portal coordinates right away—if you wander off and lose your portal, dying is the only other way back home.