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Mastering Minecraft's Skies: Elytra Guide

by Simon May 19,2025

In the vast world of Minecraft, Elytra stands out as a unique item that revolutionizes travel by allowing players to glide through the air. This rare piece of equipment opens up new possibilities, letting you traverse great distances with ease and even pull off impressive aerial maneuvers. Whether you're exploring new landscapes or simply want to add a thrilling dimension to your gameplay, mastering the Elytra is a must for any dedicated Minecraft player.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Elytra. From acquiring them in different game modes to learning how to fly, repair, and upgrade them, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of aerial exploration in Minecraft.

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 not just any ordinary item; it's your ticket to soaring through the skies of Minecraft. Resembling wings when deployed and a cloak when folded, Elytra enhances your exploration speed significantly, especially when paired with fireworks for an extra boost. These wings are exclusively found in the End dimension, within Ships located near End Cities, but alternative methods exist for different game modes.

Elytra in MinecraftImage: ensigame.com

How to Get Elytra in Minecraft in Survival Mode

Preparing for Battle

Venturing into the End to claim your Elytra requires meticulous preparation. Arm yourself with Diamond or Netherite armor, preferably enchanted, to withstand the Ender Dragon's attacks. Equip a sword and a bow, both enchanted for maximum effectiveness—Infinity or Power enchantments on the bow will let you keep your distance. Stock up on arrows or a crossbow with fireworks for ranged combat, and don't overlook potions of regeneration, strength, and slow falling to maintain your health and control falls. Golden apples are excellent for emergency healing, and blocks are crucial for reaching the End Crystals. To safely navigate the End, wear a carved pumpkin to ward off Endermen.

pumpkin on head minecraft characterImage: gamebanana.com

Activating the Portal to the End

To reach the End, you'll need to activate the portal with 12 Eyes of Ender. These are also essential for locating the Stronghold. Crafting an Eye of Ender involves Blaze Powder, derived from Blaze Rods dropped by Blaze mobs in the Nether Fortress, and Ender Pearls, which are trickier to come by as they're dropped by Endermen. Once you have your materials, arrange them in the crafting grid as shown below.

craft Eye of EnderImage: ensigame.com

Finding the Stronghold

With your Eyes of Ender in hand, locate the Stronghold by tossing them into the air; they'll guide you to the structure. Dig down at the location they indicate and prepare to navigate the dark, monster-filled corridors. Once inside, find the portal room and insert the Eyes of Ender into the frame to activate the portal to the End.

end portalImage: peminecraft.com

Battle with the Dragon

Upon entering the End, the battle with the Ender Dragon begins. Your first priority should be destroying the End Crystals to stop the dragon's regeneration. Use your bow and arrows to attack from a distance, or get up close with your sword. After defeating the dragon, a portal to the End Gateway appears. Toss an Ender Pearl into it to reach the End Cities, where you'll find Ships potentially housing the Elytra.

ender dragonImage: peminecraft.com

Inside the Ship

Once inside a Ship, look for an Item Frame on the wall containing the Elytra. Break it to claim your prize, and be sure to check any chests for additional rewards. Watch out for Shulkers, the guardians of the ship, and deal with them before exploring further.

ender shipImage: youtube.com

Item FrameImage: reddit.com

Creative Mode

If the challenge of Survival Mode isn't your thing, Creative Mode offers a straightforward way to acquire Elytra. Simply open your inventory, search for "Elytra," and drag it into your inventory for instant access. While this method is easier and safer, remember that Elytra won't give you any gameplay advantages in Creative Mode.

Elytra in Creative ModeImage: ensigame.com

Commands

For those who prefer a more direct approach, using commands can instantly grant you Elytra. Ensure cheats are enabled in your world settings or via LAN, then open the chat window and type:

/give @s minecraft:elytra

Press Enter, and the Elytra will appear in your inventory, ready for use without the need for exploration or combat.

How to Fly with Elytra

Equipping and flying with Elytra is an exhilarating experience. Place the Elytra in the chest armor slot of your inventory, climb to a high point, jump off, and press Space to begin gliding. Control your flight with the following keys:

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

Fly with ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Fireworks Boost

To boost your speed, craft Fireworks using 1 Paper and 1 Gunpowder. The more ingredients, the farther the rocket will propel you. Hold the Fireworks in your hand and activate them to surge forward.

craft fireworksImage: ensigame.com

How to Upgrade and Repair Elytra

To ensure your Elytra lasts longer, consider using the Unbreaking enchantment, which increases durability. Combine the Elytra with an Enchanted Book of Unbreaking in an Anvil to apply the enchantment.

Upgrade ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Using Anvil

To repair your Elytra, place an Anvil, then interact with it. Place the Elytra in the left slot and leather in the right slot. Confirm the repair, and collect your restored Elytra from the output slot.

Repair ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Using the Mending Enchantment

For a more passive approach to maintenance, apply the Mending enchantment to your Elytra. Obtain an Enchanted Book with Mending through exploration, fishing, or trading, then use an Enchanting Table or Anvil to apply it. Once enchanted, your Elytra will repair itself as you collect experience points.

Fly with ElytraImage: ensigame.com

With Elytra in your arsenal, the skies of Minecraft are yours to conquer. Whether you're soaring through the air for fun or using them to efficiently explore the vast world, mastering Elytra adds a thrilling layer to your Minecraft adventures. Prepare well, fly safely, and enjoy the breathtaking views from above!