So you’ve got your hands on the coveted elytra in Minecraft and you’re ready to take to the skies? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to fly an elytra in Minecraft, turning you from a grounded adventurer into a soaring explorer. While it’s technically gliding, not true flight, using the elytra is the closest you’ll get to becoming a winged wonder in the game. Let’s dive into how to master this essential skill!
Understanding the Elytra
Before we get airborne, let’s understand what the elytra is. The elytra are wings that allow you to glide long distances in Minecraft. You can’t gain altitude like in creative mode flight, but you can certainly cover ground quickly and gracefully descend from high places. Think of it as having your own personal glider, perfect for traversing vast landscapes or escaping tricky situations.
An image showcasing the interior of an End Ship, the source of Elytra in Minecraft.
Gearing Up: Putting on Your Elytra
The first step to flight is equipping your elytra. Here’s how to do it across different Minecraft versions:
Accessing Your Inventory
You’ll need to open your inventory to equip the elytra. The controls vary depending on your platform:
- Java Edition (PC/Mac): Press the
Ekey. - Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the three dots
...button. - Xbox 360 and Xbox One: Press the
Ybutton on your Xbox controller. - PS3 and PS4: Press the Triangle button on your PlayStation controller.
- Wii U: Press the
Xbutton on the gamepad. - Nintendo Switch: Press the
Xbutton on your controller. - Windows 10 Edition: Press the
Ekey. - Education Edition: Press the
Ekey.
Equipping Elytra in Survival Mode
In Survival mode, equipping the elytra is straightforward:
A player in Minecraft Survival mode, opening their inventory to equip the Elytra.
- Locate the Chestplate Slot: In your inventory screen, you’ll see your character model. The chestplate armor slot is the second box down on the left of your character.
- Drag and Drop: Move the elytra from your inventory into the chestplate slot.
The Elytra equipped in the chestplate slot, visually transforming the player character.
Once equipped, your character will appear to be wearing a cape – these are your new wings!
Equipping Elytra in Creative Mode
Even in Creative mode, where you can already fly, using elytra can be a fun alternative. Here’s how to equip it:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
In Creative mode in Java Edition, you need to switch to the Survival Inventory view. Look for the “Survival Inventory” button at the bottom right of the inventory screen and click it.
Pocket Edition (PE)
In Pocket Edition, simply tap the “Armor” tab at the top of the inventory screen.
The Armor tab highlighted in Minecraft Pocket Edition’s Creative Inventory.
Once you are in the armor view (Survival Inventory in Java Edition or Armor Tab in PE):
Creative mode inventory showing the character and armor slots ready for Elytra.
- Chestplate Slot: Find the chestplate slot, just like in Survival mode.
- Equip the Elytra: Drag the elytra to the chestplate slot.
Elytra equipped on a character in Creative Mode, ready for gliding.
Now you’re wearing the elytra in Creative mode and ready to glide!
Taking Flight: How to Glide with Elytra
Remember, elytra allows gliding, not powered flight. This means you need height to get started. Find a high place – a mountain top, a tall building, or even a jump from a significant height will do.
Tip: Changing your camera view to third-person (back view) can give you a better perspective when learning to use the elytra.
A Minecraft player standing on a mountain edge, preparing to glide with Elytra.
-
Jump and Activate: Run towards the edge and jump off! As you jump, you need to activate the elytra. The control for this is similar to jumping:
- Java Edition (PC/Mac), Windows 10 Edition, Education Edition: Press the
SPACEbar. - Pocket Edition (PE): Tap the Jump button once.
- PS3 and PS4: Press the
Xbutton on your PlayStation controller. - Xbox 360 and Xbox One: Press the
Abutton on your Xbox controller. - Wii U: Press the
Abutton on the gamepad. - Nintendo Switch: Press the
Abutton on your controller.
- Java Edition (PC/Mac), Windows 10 Edition, Education Edition: Press the
Important: Make sure you are running as you jump. Walking slowly off an edge might cause you to fall and take damage before the elytra deploys. Running gives you momentum and a smoother start to your glide.
Elytra wings deployed as the player glides smoothly through the Minecraft world.
- Steering and Gliding: Once your elytra wings are open, you’ll start gliding. You can steer your glide using your movement controls, just like walking. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid crashing directly into walls or the ground, as you can take fall damage if you hit too hard.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to fly an elytra in Minecraft and are now gliding through the world.
Expanding Your Elytra Skills
Once you’re comfortable with basic gliding, there’s more to explore! You can enhance your elytra experience with techniques like rocket propulsion for gaining height and speed. And remember to keep your elytra in good repair so your wings are always ready for your next adventure!
