"Mastering Minecraft Skies: Elytra Guide"

Author : Gabriella Mar 29,2025

Minecraft offers a variety of transportation methods, but Elytra stands out as the only item that allows players to soar through the skies. This exceptional piece of gear not only opens up new possibilities for exploration but also enables swift travel across vast distances and the execution of thrilling aerial maneuvers.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of acquiring Elytra in various game modes, as well as how to equip, use, repair, and enhance these wings for optimal performance.

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 rare item in Minecraft that allows players to glide through the air, significantly enhancing travel speed and efficiency, especially when paired with fireworks. In their folded state, Elytra resemble a cloak, but when deployed, they transform into majestic wings.

Elytra in MinecraftImage: ensigame.com

In Survival Mode, Elytra can only be found in the End dimension, specifically inside Ships near End Cities, after defeating the Ender Dragon. However, different game modes offer alternative methods to obtain them, which we will explore in detail.

How to Get Elytra in Minecraft in Survival Mode

Preparing for Battle

Before setting out on your quest for Elytra, thorough preparation is key. Equip yourself with Diamond or Netherite armor, preferably enchanted for maximum protection. A sword and a bow, enchanted with abilities like Infinity or Power for the bow, will be crucial for engaging the Ender Dragon from a distance.

Stock up on arrows or a crossbow loaded with fireworks to effectively attack your foes. Potions such as regeneration, strength, and slow falling will aid in health restoration, increased damage, and safer landings. Don't forget to bring ample 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 dimension, you'll need to activate the portal with 12 Eye of Ender, which also serve as a guide to the Stronghold. Crafting an Eye of Ender requires Blaze Powder, derived from Blaze Rods dropped by Blaze mobs found in the Nether Fortress, and Ender Pearls, dropped by Endermen. While Blaze Powder can be more readily obtained within the confines of the Nether Fortress, Ender Pearls might require more luck to gather, as Endermen spawn sporadically.

craft Eye of EnderImage: ensigame.com

Finding the Stronghold

With your Eye of Ender in hand, activate it to direct you toward the Stronghold, which lies deep underground. Follow its trajectory, digging down when it indicates you're close. Be prepared for the dark corridors filled with hostile mobs like skeletons, creepers, and cave spiders.

Once inside, locate the portal room and place the Eye of Ender into the frame to activate it. Then, step through the portal to confront the Ender Dragon.

end portalImage: peminecraft.com

Battle with the Dragon

As soon as you enter 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 to shoot them from afar or reach them manually. Once the crystals are destroyed, focus on the dragon, using your bow when it's airborne and your sword when it lands near the portal.

After defeating the dragon, an End Gateway portal will appear. Toss an Ender Pearl into it to teleport to the outer islands. Search for the tall, purple End City towers, and keep an eye out for nearby ships, which may contain the coveted Elytra.

ender dragonImage: peminecraft.com

Inside the Ship

Upon locating a ship, you'll find the Elytra mounted on an Item Frame within. Break the frame to claim the wings, and don't forget to check the chests for additional rewards. Be wary of Shulkers, the ship's guardians, and take them down before collecting your prize.

ender shipImage: youtube.com

Item FrameImage: reddit.com

Creative Mode

If you prefer to skip the adventure of Survival Mode, acquiring Elytra in Creative Mode is straightforward. Open your inventory, search for "Elytra," and add it to your inventory for instant access. While this method is quick and safe, Elytra won't provide any unique benefits in Creative Mode.

Elytra in Creative ModeImage: ensigame.com

Commands

For those who prefer a more direct approach, commands offer another way to obtain Elytra. Ensure cheats are enabled, either at world creation or by opening the world to LAN. Open the chat window and enter the command:

**/give @s minecraft:elytra**

This will add Elytra directly to your inventory, providing a quick and hassle-free method to acquire the item.

How to Fly with Elytra

Equip the Elytra by placing it in your chest armor slot. To start flying, climb to a high point, jump off, and press the Spacebar to deploy the wings and begin 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 enhance your speed, use Fireworks crafted from 1 Paper and 1 Gunpowder. Hold the Fireworks in your hand and press the action button to gain a burst of speed, propelling you further and faster through the skies.

craft fireworksImage: ensigame.com

How to Upgrade and Repair Elytra

To maximize the lifespan and performance of your Elytra, consider upgrading and repairing them.

Using Anvil

For repairs, place an Anvil, then add the Elytra to the left slot and leather to the right. Confirm the repair, and retrieve your restored Elytra from the right slot.

Repair ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Using the Mending Enchantment

To apply the Mending enchantment, find an Enchanted Book with Mending, which can be found in chests, obtained through fishing, or traded with other players. Use an Enchanting Table or Anvil to apply it to your Elytra. Once enchanted, the item's durability will automatically repair as you collect experience points.

Fly with ElytraImage: ensigame.com

Elytra in Minecraft offers an exhilarating way to traverse the world, providing unparalleled freedom and excitement. As you master these wings, your adventures will soar to new heights, allowing you to explore the vast cubic world like never before. Prepare well, take flight, and discover the endless possibilities that await you in the skies of Minecraft!