Home News Conquering the Skies in Minecraft: Everything About Elytra

Conquering the Skies in Minecraft: Everything About Elytra

by Owen Mar 16,2025

In the vast world of Minecraft, traversing the landscape offers diverse methods, but the Elytra stands alone as the ultimate tool for aerial gliding. This rare and coveted item opens up a whole new dimension of exploration, allowing players to swiftly cover immense distances and even execute impressive aerial maneuvers. This guide will cover obtaining Elytra across all game modes, along with essential tips on usage, repair, and upgrades.

Table of Contents

  • Basic Information
  • Obtaining Elytra in Survival Mode
    • Preparing for the End
    • Activating the End Portal
    • Locating the Stronghold
    • Defeating the Ender Dragon
    • Finding the Elytra in the End Ship
  • Creative Mode
  • Commands
  • Flying with Elytra
    • Flight Controls
    • Fireworks Boost
  • Upgrading and Repairing Elytra
    • Using an Anvil
    • Utilizing the Mending Enchantment

Basic Information

The Elytra is a unique item enabling players to glide through the air. Its folded state resembles a cloak, but when activated, it transforms into a pair of functional wings, significantly enhancing exploration efficiency, especially when combined with fireworks. While incredibly useful, they are only naturally obtainable in the End after defeating the Ender Dragon, located within End City ships. However, alternative acquisition methods exist in other game modes, as detailed below.

Elytra in Minecraft

How to Obtain Elytra in Minecraft Survival Mode

Preparing for Battle: Before venturing to the End, thorough preparation is crucial. Diamond or Netherite armor, ideally enchanted for superior protection, is essential. A well-enchanted sword and bow (consider Infinity or Power for the bow) are vital for combating the Ender Dragon. Stock up on ample arrows or a crossbow with fireworks for ranged attacks. Potions of regeneration, strength, and slow falling will significantly aid survival. Golden apples provide crucial emergency healing, and blocks are necessary for reaching End Crystals. Finally, a carved pumpkin will prevent Enderman aggression.

pumpkin on head minecraft character

Activating the Portal to the End: Activating the End portal requires 12 Eyes of Ender. Each Eye of Ender is crafted using one Blaze Powder (from Blaze Rods dropped by Blazes in Nether Fortresses) and one Ender Pearl (dropped by Endermen). Gathering Ender Pearls can be challenging, often relying on luck in surface encounters or cave exploration.

craft Eye of Ender

Finding the Stronghold: Use the Eyes of Ender to locate the Stronghold. Throw an Eye of Ender; it will fly towards the Stronghold, indicating its general direction. Once located, navigate the Stronghold's labyrinthine passages, prepare for combat against hostile mobs, and activate the End portal using the Eyes of Ender.

end portal

Battle with the Dragon: The Ender Dragon battle requires destroying the End Crystals first, either using ranged attacks or melee combat. Afterward, focus on attacking the dragon itself. Using a bow from a distance is generally easier.

ender dragon

Inside the Ship: After defeating the dragon, travel through the End gateway. Locate an End City and search its ships. The Elytra will be found in an Item Frame within the ship. Beware of Shulkers guarding the ship.

ender ship

Item Frame

Creative Mode: In Creative Mode, simply open your inventory, 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 the chat to instantly obtain Elytra.

How to Fly with Elytra

Equip the Elytra in the chest slot. Jump from a height, and press the spacebar to glide. Use W, A, S, D keys for directional control. Fireworks held in your hand provide speed boosts.

Fly with Elytra

craft fireworks

How to Upgrade and Repair Elytra

Using an Anvil: Repair the Elytra using leather in an anvil.

Upgrade Elytra

Repair Elytra

Using the Mending Enchantment: Apply the Mending enchantment to automatically repair the Elytra using experience orbs.

Fly with Elytra

Mastering Elytra flight takes practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With proper preparation and understanding, you'll be soaring through the skies of Minecraft in no time!