How to Fly with Elytra in Minecraft: A Comprehensive Guide

Minecraft offers a plethora of ways to explore its vast and blocky world. Among the most exhilarating is soaring through the skies using elytra. These coveted wings allow you to glide and traverse great distances, adding a new dimension to your adventures. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How To Fly With Elytra In Minecraft, from equipping them to mastering the art of gliding.

Understanding Elytra and Obtaining Them

Elytra are unique items in Minecraft that function as wings, enabling players to glide through the air. Unlike creative mode flight, elytra provide a form of controlled gliding, requiring gravity and momentum to stay aloft. Think of it less like true flight and more like having wingsuit capabilities.

To acquire elytra, you’ll need to venture into the End dimension and locate an End City. These cities often contain End Ships docked nearby. Elytra are found within item frames inside these End Ships, typically in the treasure room. Successfully navigating the End City and reaching an End Ship is a significant achievement in itself, making elytra a rewarding prize for dedicated explorers.

Equipping Your Elytra: Step-by-Step

Before you can take to the skies, you must equip your elytra. The process is straightforward and similar to equipping armor. Here’s how to do it in both Survival and Creative modes:

Equipping Elytra in Survival Mode

Open Your Inventory: Access your inventory screen. The key or button for this varies depending on your Minecraft version:
- Java Edition (PC/Mac): Press the E key.
- Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the three dots (...) button.
- Xbox 360/Xbox One: Press the Y button on your controller.
- PS3/PS4: Press the Triangle button on your controller.
- Wii U: Press the X button on the gamepad.
- Nintendo Switch: Press the X button on your controller.
- Windows 10 Edition: Press the E key.
- Education Edition: Press the E key.
Locate the Armor Slots: In your inventory, you’ll see your character model with empty armor slots.
Equip the Elytra: Drag the elytra from your inventory to the chestplate slot, which is the second slot from the top on the left of your character.

Once equipped, your character will visually appear to be wearing a cape, indicating the elytra are active.

Equipping Elytra in Creative Mode

While creative mode grants you innate flight, equipping elytra can still be a fun cosmetic choice. The process is slightly different in Creative mode, especially in Java Edition:

Open Your Inventory: Use the same controls as in Survival mode to open your inventory.
Access Armor Slots (Java Edition): In Java Edition, at the bottom right of the inventory screen, select the “Survival Inventory” option (it might be labeled differently depending on version but usually indicates survival inventory).
Access Armor Slots (Pocket Edition): In Pocket Edition, tap on the “Armor” tab at the top of the inventory screen.
Equip the Elytra: Drag the elytra from your inventory to the chestplate slot, just as you would in Survival mode.

Your character will now display the elytra visually, even in Creative mode.

Taking Flight: Gliding with Elytra

With elytra equipped, you’re ready to experience the thrill of gliding. Remember, elytra don’t provide upward thrust; you need height and forward momentum to glide effectively.

Find a High Location: Locate a high point like a mountain, tall building, or even a well-constructed tower.
Jump and Activate Elytra: Run towards the edge and jump off. Immediately press the jump button again mid-air to deploy your elytra. The control varies by version:
- Java Edition (PC/Mac): Press the SPACE bar.
- Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the Jump button once while in the air.
- PS3/PS4: Press the X button.
- Xbox 360/Xbox One: Press the A button.
- Windows 10 Edition: Press the SPACE bar.
- Wii U: Press the A button.
- Nintendo Switch: Press the A button.
- Education Edition: Press the SPACE bar.

Tip: For a smoother takeoff and longer glide, sprint as you jump off the edge. This provides extra initial momentum.

Steering and Control: Once gliding, you can control your direction by looking around, similar to walking or flying in creative mode. Looking up will cause you to ascend slightly (at the cost of speed), while looking down will make you descend faster. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid crashing into solid objects, as this can cause fall damage, even with elytra.

Congratulations! You are now gliding with elytra in Minecraft. Practice makes perfect, so find high places and experiment with different angles to master your flight.

Beyond Basic Gliding: Expanding Your Elytra Skills

Once you’re comfortable with basic gliding, you can explore more advanced techniques to enhance your elytra experience:

Rocket Propulsion: Combine fireworks with elytra to gain bursts of speed and even temporary upward thrust. This technique, known as rocket boosting, allows for longer flights and faster travel.
Elytra Durability and Repair: Elytra have durability and will eventually break with use. You can repair them using phantom membranes at an anvil, ensuring your wings stay in top condition for countless flights.

Elytra offer a fantastic way to navigate the Minecraft world, transforming exploration and travel. With practice and these tips, you’ll be soaring through the blocky skies like a seasoned aviator in no time.