How to Fly in Minecraft with Elytra: A Complete Guide

So you’ve finally gotten your hands on the elytra in Minecraft and are ready to take to the skies? These coveted wings are a game-changer, allowing you to soar through the blocky world like never before. But if you’re new to using them, figuring out how to actually fly with elytra can be a bit confusing. Don’t worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master elytra flight in Minecraft, from equipping them to performing advanced maneuvers. Get ready to experience Minecraft from a whole new perspective!

What are Elytra in Minecraft?

Elytra are unique and rare wings that allow players in Minecraft to glide. Unlike creative mode flight, elytra utilize gravity and momentum, turning your falls into graceful glides across vast distances. Found exclusively in End Cities, specifically within End Ships, obtaining elytra is a significant achievement in any survival playthrough. They visually replace your chestplate armor and give your character a winged appearance, instantly making you feel like a true adventurer.

Alt text: Inside an End Ship in Minecraft, the location where Elytra can be found.

Getting Started: Equipping Your Elytra

Before you can experience the thrill of flight, you need to equip your elytra. Here’s how to do it in both Survival and Creative modes across different Minecraft editions:

Equipping Elytra in Survival Mode

1. Open Your Inventory: Press the designated inventory key for your Minecraft edition:

   • Java Edition (PC/Mac): E key
   • Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the ... button.
   • Xbox 360/Xbox One: Y button on the controller
   • PS3/PS4: Triangle button on the controller.
   • Wii U: X button on the gamepad.
   • Nintendo Switch: X button on the controller.
   • Windows 10 Edition: E key
   • Education Edition: E key

2. Locate the Armor Slots: In your inventory, you’ll see your character model with empty armor slots. The chestplate slot is the second from the top on the left side.

   Alt text: Minecraft inventory screen in survival mode, highlighting the chestplate armor slot.

3. Equip the Elytra: Drag the elytra from your inventory to the chestplate slot.

4. Visual Confirmation: Once equipped, your character’s appearance will change, showing the elytra as wings or a cape-like structure on their back.

   Alt text: Minecraft character in survival mode wearing elytra, showing the winged appearance.

Equipping Elytra in Creative Mode

While flying is already enabled in Creative mode, equipping elytra can still be fun for aesthetic purposes or practicing gliding mechanics.

1. Open Inventory in Creative Mode: Use the same inventory keys as in Survival Mode.

2. Access Armor Slots: In Creative Mode, the armor slots might not be immediately visible.

   • Java Edition (PC/Mac): Click the “Survival Inventory” tab located at the bottom right of the inventory screen.
   • Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the Armor tab at the top of the inventory screen.

   Java Edition (PC/Mac)

   Pocket Edition (PE)

   Alt text: Minecraft Pocket Edition inventory showing the Armor tab to access equipment slots.

3. Equip the Elytra: Drag the elytra to the chestplate slot, just as you would in Survival Mode.

   Alt text: Minecraft inventory in creative mode with armor slots visible, ready to equip elytra.

4. Confirm Equipped Elytra: Your character will now visually wear the elytra, even in Creative Mode.

   Alt text: Minecraft character in creative mode equipped with elytra, showing the wing visual.

Taking Flight: Gliding with Elytra

Now for the exciting part – actually gliding with your elytra! Remember, elytra allow you to glide, not true flight. You need height to get started.

1. Find a High Location: A mountain, a tall building, or even a jump from a significant height will work. For this example, we’ll use a mountaintop.

   TIP: Consider changing your camera view to third-person mode to better see your character gliding. You can change your view in settings or using game controls.

   Alt text: Minecraft player standing at the edge of a mountain ready to glide with elytra.

2. Jump and Activate Elytra: Run towards the edge and jump off! Immediately after jumping, activate the elytra wings. The control to open your elytra is version-dependent:

   • Java Edition (PC/Mac): Press the SPACE bar to deploy the elytra.
   • Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the Jump button once after jumping.
   • PS3/PS4: Press the X button on the controller.
   • Xbox 360/Xbox One: Press the A button on the controller.
   • Windows 10 Edition: Press the SPACE bar.
   • Wii U: Press the A button on the gamepad.
   • Nintendo Switch: Press the A button on the controller.
   • Education Edition: Press the SPACE bar.

   TIP: Running before jumping gives you momentum and a smoother glide start. Walking slowly off an edge might cause you to stumble and fall before the elytra activates.

   Alt text: Minecraft player gliding through the air with elytra wings deployed, showcasing the gliding motion.

3. Steering and Controlling Your Glide: Once gliding, you can steer by looking in the direction you want to go, just like normal movement. Be mindful of your glide angle; looking upwards will help you ascend slightly or maintain altitude longer, while looking downwards will cause you to descend faster.

   Caution: Avoid gliding directly into solid objects at high speed, as this can cause fall damage.

Mastering Elytra Flight: Tips and Tricks

• Practice Makes Perfect: Elytra gliding takes practice. Find a safe, open area and experiment with jumping, gliding, and steering to get a feel for the mechanics.
• Angle Control is Key: Subtle adjustments in your viewing angle significantly impact your glide path. Practice maintaining a shallow downward angle for efficient long-distance travel.
• Utilize Fireworks Rockets for Boosts: To gain altitude or increase speed while gliding, use fireworks rockets! While gliding, use the firework rocket item (right-click in Java Edition, tap and hold in Pocket Edition). This will give you a burst of speed and upward momentum, effectively propelling you further and higher. Be mindful of firework duration and durability of your elytra as using rockets damages them slightly.
• Repairing Elytra: Elytra have durability and will eventually break with use, especially when using fireworks. Repair them using phantom membranes at an anvil to keep them in top condition.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know the basics of how to fly with elytra in Minecraft. With a little practice, you’ll be soaring through the skies like a pro, exploring your world from breathtaking heights and covering vast distances with ease. So equip your elytra, find a tall place, and take the leap into a whole new dimension of Minecraft adventure! Don’t forget to experiment with firework rockets for even more exhilarating flight experiences. Happy gliding!

You can also check out these related guides to further enhance your elytra experience:

• How to Rocket Propel the Elytra
• How to Repair the Elytra