How to get Elytra in Minecraft is one of the most common questions players ask after defeating the Ender Dragon. Elytra are one of the most valuable items in the game, allowing players to glide through the air, travel vast distances quickly, and completely change the way they explore their world.
Unlike most equipment in Minecraft, Elytra cannot be crafted. Instead, players must travel deep into The End and locate a rare End City containing an End Ship. Learning how to get Elytra in Minecraft is an important milestone for any survival player.
What Is Elytra in Minecraft?
Elytra is a special piece of equipment that allows players to glide and fly when combined with Firework Rockets.
When equipped in the chestplate slot, Elytra provides:
- Fast travel
- Easier exploration
- Safer movement
- Access to difficult terrain
- Long-distance flight with fireworks
Many players consider Elytra one of the most useful items in Minecraft.
Can You Craft Elytra?
No.
Elytra cannot be crafted, traded, or obtained through villagers.
The only way to get Elytra in survival mode is by finding an End Ship in The End dimension.
Requirements Before Getting Elytra
Before you can search for Elytra, you’ll need access to The End.
Preparation Checklist
| Requirement | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Stronghold | Contains the End Portal |
| Eyes of Ender | Used to locate the Stronghold |
| Good Armour | Required for survival |
| Weapons | Needed for combat |
| Food | Essential for exploration |
| Blocks | Useful for bridging gaps |
Most players obtain Elytra after defeating the Ender Dragon.
Step 1: Find a Stronghold
The first stage is locating a Stronghold.
Strongholds contain the End Portal required to reach The End.
Finding a Stronghold
- Craft Eyes of Ender.
- Throw an Eye of Ender.
- Follow the direction it travels.
- Continue until the Eye changes direction.
- Dig down to locate the Stronghold.
Strongholds generate underground and are the gateway to The End dimension.
Step 2: Defeat the Ender Dragon
Before searching for Elytra, players must defeat the Ender Dragon.
Ender Dragon Preparation
| Item | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Diamond or Netherite Armour | Yes |
| Bow | Yes |
| Plenty of Arrows | Yes |
| Food | Yes |
| Water Bucket | Yes |
| Blocks | Yes |
After defeating the Ender Dragon, a gateway portal appears around the outer edge of the main End island.
Step 3: Enter the End Gateway
The small gateway portal provides access to the Outer End Islands.
These islands contain:
- End Cities
- End Ships
- Chorus Plants
- Valuable loot
Without travelling to the Outer End Islands, Elytra cannot be found.
Step 4: Find an End City
End Cities are rare structures located throughout the Outer End Islands.
They are made from Purpur blocks and often contain valuable loot.
End City Loot
| Item | Found in End Cities |
|---|---|
| Diamond Armour | Yes |
| Enchanted Gear | Yes |
| Shulker Shells | Yes |
| Diamonds | Yes |
| Elytra | Sometimes |
Not every End City contains Elytra.
Step 5: Locate an End Ship
The Elytra is always found inside an End Ship.
End Ships generate next to certain End Cities.
How to Identify an End Ship
Look for:
- A floating ship structure
- Purple Purpur construction
- Attached or nearby End City towers
The End Ship contains some of the best loot in Minecraft.
Step 6: Collect the Elytra
Inside the End Ship, you’ll find an item frame displaying Elytra.
Simply:
- Enter the ship.
- Reach the Elytra display.
- Remove the Elytra from the item frame.
- Place it in your inventory.
Congratulations, you now own Elytra.
How to Use Elytra
Using Elytra is simple.
Basic Flight
- Equip Elytra in the chestplate slot.
- Jump from a height.
- Press the jump button again while falling.
- Begin gliding.
Players can travel considerable distances even without fireworks.
Using Fireworks With Elytra
Firework Rockets dramatically improve Elytra travel.
Benefits of Fireworks
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Speed | Travel faster |
| Extended Flight | Stay airborne longer |
| Easier Navigation | Reach distant locations |
| Exploration | Cover huge areas quickly |
Most experienced players combine Elytra with rockets for near-unlimited travel.
How to Repair Elytra
Like other equipment, Elytra loses durability.
Repair Methods
- Phantom Membranes
- Anvil Repairs
- Mending Enchantment
Many players use Mending because it allows Elytra to repair automatically using experience points.
For more information, see our guide on How to Get Mending in Minecraft.
Common Elytra Mistakes
Forgetting Fireworks
Many players obtain Elytra but fail to carry rockets.
Flying Over the Void
The End can be dangerous.
Falling into the void results in the permanent loss of your items.
Ignoring Durability
Broken Elytra cannot be used effectively.
Always monitor durability levels.
Why Elytra Is Worth Getting
Learning how to get Elytra in Minecraft is one of the most rewarding goals in survival mode. Elytra completely changes how players explore their worlds, making long-distance travel faster, safer, and far more enjoyable.
Once combined with Firework Rockets and Mending, Elytra becomes one of the most powerful pieces of equipment available, turning even the largest Minecraft worlds into easily accessible playgrounds.
For more Minecraft guides, check out How to Find Diamonds in Minecraft, Best Minecraft Enchantments, How to Get Mending in Minecraft, and Best Minecraft Seeds.
For more Minecraft tips, tutorials, and walkthroughs, be sure to visit our Minecraft Guides Hub. You’ll find guides covering villagers, enchantments, diamonds, Netherite, The End, potion brewing, building ideas, and everything else you need to master Minecraft.
