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Mastering Minecraft Skies: Elytra Guide

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 10,2025

Minecraft offers a variety of travel methods, but none quite match the thrill and freedom of gliding through the air with Elytra. This rare piece of equipment opens up new possibilities, allowing players to traverse vast distances swiftly and execute impressive aerial maneuvers.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining Elytra across different game modes, as well as how to use, repair, and enhance them for the ultimate flying experience.

Table of Contents

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

Basic Information

Elytra is a unique and coveted item in Minecraft that enables players to glide through the air, significantly enhancing exploration speed and efficiency, especially when paired with fireworks. When not in use, Elytra resembles a cloak, but when deployed, it transforms into majestic wings.

Elytra in MinecraftImage: ensigame.com

In the game's natural environment, Elytra can only be found in the End dimension, specifically within Ships near End Cities, after defeating the Ender Dragon. However, alternative methods exist for obtaining them in different game modes, which we'll explore in detail.

How to Get Elytra in Minecraft in Survival Mode

Preparing for Battle

Before setting out on your quest, thorough preparation is key. Equip yourself with Diamond or Netherite armor, ideally enchanted for maximum protection. Arm yourself with an enchanted sword and a bow, perhaps with Infinity or Power enchantments for ranged combat against the dragon.

Stock up on arrows or a crossbow loaded with fireworks for effective attacks. Bring along potions of regeneration, strength, and slow falling to aid in healing, boost damage, and cushion falls. Don't forget food, especially golden apples for emergency healing, and blocks to reach the End Crystals. To avoid Endermen aggression, wear a carved pumpkin on your head during the fight.

pumpkin on head minecraft characterImage: gamebanana.com

Activating the Portal to the End

To access the End, you'll need to activate the portal using 12 Eyes of Ender, which also help locate the Stronghold. Crafting an Eye of Ender requires Blaze Powder, obtained from Blaze Rods dropped by Blaze mobs in the Nether Fortress, and Ender Pearls, dropped by Endermen. Blaze Powder is easier to acquire due to the limited spawning area of Blazes, but Ender Pearls can be challenging to gather, often requiring luck or an efficient farm.

craft Eye of EnderImage: ensigame.com

Finding the Stronghold

Use the Eye of Ender to locate the Stronghold by throwing it and following its trajectory. Once you're close, dig down to find the ancient labyrinth filled with hostile mobs like skeletons, creepers, and cave spiders. Inside, locate the portal room and insert the Eyes of Ender into the frame to activate the portal. Then, jump in to face the Ender Dragon.

end portalImage: peminecraft.com

Battle with the Dragon

Upon entering the End, the battle with the Ender Dragon begins. Prioritize destroying the End Crystals to prevent the dragon from regenerating health. Use your bow and arrows from a distance or approach the crystals to destroy them manually. Then, attack the dragon when it's airborne or landing on the portal, using your bow for ranged attacks and your sword for close combat.

ender dragonImage: peminecraft.com

After defeating the dragon, a portal to the End Gateway will appear. Throw an Ender Pearl into it to teleport to the outer islands, where you'll find End Cities and possibly an End Ship. Be prepared to face Shulkers guarding the ship.

ender shipImage: youtube.com

Inside the Ship

Inside the End Ship, locate the Item Frame on the wall, break it to obtain the Elytra, and collect any additional rewards from the chests.

Item FrameImage: reddit.com

Creative Mode

For those who prefer a less challenging approach, Elytra can be easily obtained in Creative Mode. Simply open your inventory, search for "Elytra," and drag it into your inventory for immediate use.

Elytra in Creative ModeImage: ensigame.com

Commands

If you're looking for an even quicker method, use commands. Ensure cheats are enabled, then open the chat and enter the command: /give @s minecraft:elytra. This will instantly add Elytra to your inventory.

How to Fly with Elytra

To use Elytra, equip it in the chest armor slot, climb to a high point, jump off, and press the Space key to start gliding.

Fly with ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Flight Controls

Control your flight using the following keys:

  • W – Move forward
  • A – Turn left
  • S – Slow down or descend
  • D – Turn right

Fireworks Boost

To increase your speed, craft Fireworks using 1 Paper and 1 Gunpowder. The more ingredients, the longer the boost. Hold the Fireworks in your hand and press the action button to accelerate your flight.

craft fireworksImage: ensigame.com

How to Upgrade and Repair Elytra

To prolong the life of your Elytra, use the Unbreaking enchantment to increase durability. Place the Elytra and an Enchanted Book with Unbreaking into an Anvil to combine them.

Upgrade ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Using Anvil

To repair Elytra, place an Anvil, then drag the Elytra into the left slot and leather into the right slot. Confirm the repair and retrieve the restored Elytra from the right slot.

Repair ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Using the Mending Enchantment

For automatic repair, apply the Mending enchantment to your Elytra. Obtain an Enchanted Book with Mending from chests, fishing, or trading, then use an Enchanting Table or Anvil to apply it. The Elytra will then repair itself as you collect experience points.

Fly with ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Elytra in Minecraft offers a thrilling and unique way to explore the game's vast world. With practice, you'll master the art of flight, soaring through the skies and discovering new horizons in the cubic universe!