Home News Minecraft Elytra: Mastering Flight

Minecraft Elytra: Mastering Flight

Author : Scarlett Update : Mar 12,2025

In the vast world of Minecraft, travel takes many forms, but none as exhilarating as gliding with Elytra wings. These rare, coveted items unlock a whole new dimension of exploration, allowing for rapid long-distance travel and impressive aerial maneuvers. This guide covers everything you need to know: acquiring Elytra in all game modes, mastering flight, and keeping your wings in top condition.

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Table of Contents

  • Basic Information
  • How to Get Elytra in Minecraft Survival Mode
  • Preparing for Battle
  • Activating the End Portal
  • Finding the Stronghold
  • Battling the Ender Dragon
  • Inside the Ship
  • Creative Mode
  • Commands
  • How to Fly with Elytra
  • Flight Controls
  • Fireworks Boost
  • How to Upgrade and Repair Elytra
  • Using an Anvil
  • Using the Mending Enchantment

Basic Information

Elytra are unique gliding wings. In their folded state, they resemble a cloak; unfolded, they're magnificent wings. They dramatically improve exploration efficiency, especially when combined with fireworks. While incredibly useful, they are only naturally obtainable in the End after defeating the Ender Dragon, found within ships near End Cities. However, alternative acquisition methods exist in different game modes.

Elytra in Minecraft

How to Get Elytra in Minecraft Survival Mode

Preparing for Battle

Thorough preparation is crucial. Diamond or Netherite armor, ideally enchanted for protection, is essential. A well-enchanted sword and bow (consider Infinity or Power for the bow) are vital for dragon combat. Stock up on arrows or crossbow bolts, along with fireworks for ranged attacks. Potions of regeneration, strength, and slow falling provide significant advantages. Golden apples offer crucial emergency healing. Finally, bring blocks for reaching End Crystals and a carved pumpkin to avoid Enderman aggression.

pumpkin on head minecraft character

Activating the Portal to the End

Activating the End portal requires 12 Eyes of Ender. Each Eye requires Blaze Powder (from Blaze Rods dropped by Blazes in Nether Fortresses) and an Ender Pearl (dropped by Endermen). Crafting an Eye of Ender is straightforward:

craft Eye of Ender

Finding the Stronghold

Use Eyes of Ender to locate the Stronghold. Throw an Eye; it will fly towards the Stronghold, indicating its direction. Once you find the Stronghold, navigate its treacherous corridors to the End portal room. Place Eyes of Ender in the portal frame to activate it.

end portal

Battle with the Dragon

Destroy the End Crystals first to prevent the Ender Dragon from regenerating health. Use a bow and arrow or melee combat. Once the crystals are gone, focus on the dragon itself.

ender dragon

After defeating the dragon, a gateway will appear. Throw an Ender Pearl to teleport to the End islands. Locate an End City and its ship; the Elytra will be inside, often in an Item Frame.

ender ship

Inside the Ship

Break the Item Frame to claim your Elytra! Don't forget to loot any chests in the ship for additional rewards.

Item Frame

Creative Mode

In Creative Mode, simply open your inventory (E), search for "Elytra," and drag it into your inventory.

Elytra in Creative Mode

Commands

With cheats enabled, use the command `/give @s minecraft:elytra` in chat to instantly obtain Elytra.

How to Fly with Elytra

Equip the Elytra in your chest slot. Jump from a height and press Space to glide. Use W, A, S, D for movement: W (forward), A (left), S (descend/slow), D (right).

Fly with Elytra

Fireworks Boost

Craft fireworks (paper and gunpowder) and use them to boost your flight speed.

craft fireworks

How to Upgrade and Repair Elytra

Using an Anvil

Repair Elytra using leather in an anvil.

Repair Elytra

Using the Mending Enchantment

Apply the Mending enchantment (from an enchanted book) to automatically repair your Elytra with experience orbs.

Fly with Elytra

Mastering Elytra flight takes practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Explore the world from a breathtaking new perspective!