Minecraft Elytra: How to Get and Use It Properly

The Elytra is the most coveted item in Minecraft. It allows the player to fly through the air, covering vast distances in seconds. This guide walks through how to find, repair, and use the Elytra like a pro.

How to Get the Elytra

The Elytra is found in End Cities, which are structures that generate in the outer End islands. To get the Elytra:

1. Defeat the Ender Dragon.
2. Find an End Gateway (the bedrock portal that appears after killing the dragon).
3. Throw an Ender Pearl into the gateway to teleport to the outer End.
4. Explore the outer End islands until you find an End City.
5. The Elytra is found on the End Ship, which is attached to the End City.

The End Ship is a floating boat-like structure attached to the End City. It contains:

• The Elytra (in the chest).
• Dragon Head (decorative item).
• 2 Shulker Shells (in the chest).

How to Repair the Elytra

Elytras have low durability (432 points) and break quickly. To repair an Elytra, use Phantom Membranes at an Anvil:

1. Kill Phantoms in the Overworld.
2. Each Phantom drops 0-1 Phantom Membrane.
3. Combine the Elytra with Phantom Membranes at an Anvil.
4. Each Phantom Membrane restores 25% durability.

The Mending enchantment can also repair the Elytra using XP orbs. Always combine Mending with Unbreaking III on the Elytra.

How to Equip the Elytra

To equip the Elytra:

1. Place the Elytra in the chestplate slot of your inventory.
2. The Elytra takes up the chestplate slot, so you cannot wear armor with it.
3. To use the Elytra, jump off a high place and press the jump button to glide.

How to Fly with the Elytra

The Elytra does not provide true flight — it is a glider. To gain altitude, you need:

• Firework Rockets (the most common method).
• Riptide Trident in rain.
• Climbing up a tall structure.

Firework Rockets are the easiest way to gain altitude. Each rocket adds boost in the direction you are facing.

To use a Firework Rocket with the Elytra:

1. Hold a Firework Rocket in your hand.
2. Use the rocket (right-click or tap).
3. The rocket will boost you in the direction you are facing.

You can stack multiple rockets by holding one and using another.

How to Control Flight

To control Elytra flight:

• Move forward to glide.
• Look up to gain altitude (slowly).
• Look down to gain speed.
• Move backward to slow down.

The Elytra is most efficient at a 45-degree angle.

Best Firework Rockets for Elytra

The best Firework Rockets for Elytra use:

• Gunpowder + Firework Star (1-3 gunpowder + 1 firework star = 1-3 second flight).
• Duration Modifiers (adds 1 second per modifier).
• Max Flight Time: 3 gunpowder + 1 firework star + duration modifier = 4 seconds.

For maximum speed, use the minimum gunpowder (1 gunpowder + 1 firework star). This gives the fastest acceleration.

How to Land

To land with the Elytra:

1. Slow down by moving backward.
2. Aim for a flat area.
3. Press shift (sneak) to deploy the Elytra as a parachute.
4. Touch down gently.

Landing on water is easier than landing on land. The Elytra takes less damage from water landings.

Best Firework Combinations

For maximum speed:

• 1 Gunpowder + 1 Firework Star = 1 second flight.

For maximum duration:

• 3 Gunpowder + 1 Firework Star + Duration Modifier = 4 seconds.

For maximum damage (PvP):

• 1 Gunpowder + 1 Firework Star with Explosion Modifier.

How to Farm Phantom Membranes

Phantoms spawn in the Overworld when the player has not slept for 3+ days. To farm Phantom Membranes:

1. Build a tower at least 20 blocks tall.
2. Wait for 3+ in-game days without sleeping.
3. Phantoms will spawn at night.
4. Kill them with a sword.
5. They drop Phantom Membranes.

To speed up the process, use a phantom farm design.

Best Elytra Enchantments

Unbreaking III

Unbreaking III extends the Elytra's durability by 3x. It is essential for any Elytra.

How to get: Enchanting Table or enchanted books.

Mending

Mending repairs the Elytra using XP orbs. It is essential for any Elytra.

How to get: Found in End City chests or traded with Villagers.

Curse of Vanishing

Curse of Vanishing makes the Elytra disappear on death. It is useful for PvP.

How to get: Enchanting Table (random chance).

Curse of Binding

Curse of Binding prevents the Elytra from being removed. It is useful for hardcore players.

How to get: Enchanting Table (random chance).

How to Build a Phantom Farm

To build a phantom farm:

1. Build a 20-block tall platform with a 1-block gap in the center.
2. Place a soul sand block at the top (to spawn phantoms).
3. Use a water stream to push phantoms into a killing chamber.
4. Use a lava blade or fall trap to kill them.
5. Collect Phantom Membranes via hoppers.

The farm should be AFK-friendly for maximum efficiency.

Best Elytra Uses

The best uses for the Elytra are:

1. Long-distance travel.
2. Exploration of distant biomes.
3. Avoiding hostile mobs.
4. PvP combat (rocket-boosting).
5. Speedrunning (with End Crystals).

Common Mistakes

• Don't fly into walls. The Elytra will break.
• Don't fly into lava. The Elytra will break.
• Don't fly into the void. You will die.
• Don't use the Elytra without Mending and Unbreaking III. It will break quickly.

Final Tips

• Always carry extra Phantom Membranes for repairs.
• Use a Feather Falling enchantment for safer landings.
• Use fireworks for altitude gain.
• Build a phantom farm for sustainable Elytra maintenance.

With this guide, you will have the Elytra, know how to repair it, and be able to fly like a pro.