Where to Find Elytra in Minecraft
Wing-like equipment worn in the chestplate slot that allows gliding and powered flight with firework rockets.
Overview
Elytra is a rare treasure item in the Armor category of Minecraft, and in this guide we cover exactly where to find it and the fastest way to get one. The short answer: to get Elytra you find it in End Ship item frames in End Cities, in The End (End Cities with End Ships). Finding Elytra is rated very hard (5/5): it sits among the hardest items in the game to acquire, usually saved for the late game.
Primary Location
The End (End Cities with End Ships)
Difficulty
Very Hard (5/5)
Version Added
1.9
Stack Size
1
Durability
432
Where to Find Elytra
Elytra is associated with The End (End Cities with End Ships). Reaching it means travelling to the End, which is only accessible after activating an End Portal in a Stronghold with Eyes of Ender. First defeat the Ender Dragon to access the outer End islands via the End Gateway portal. End Cities with ships spawn on the outer End islands; not every End City has a ship.
Biomes & Dimensions
- The End (End Cities with End Ships)
Best Way to Get Elytra
Elytra has no crafting recipe, so the efficient approach is to go straight to its source rather than hoping to stumble on it: find it in End Ship item frames in End Cities. The Elytra is in an item frame in the treasure room of the End Ship. A Shulker guards the Elytra; bring a shield to block Shulker projectiles. Use Firework Rockets for powered flight (craft with paper + gunpowder). Mending enchantment is essential since Elytra cannot be re-crafted; repair with Phantom Membranes. Remember that Elytra does not stack, so each one you gather takes a full inventory slot — bring a chest or shulker box if you plan to collect several. Worth noting on the version side: Added in 1.9 (Combat Update). Given how rare Elytra is, most players treat each one as a milestone, so it is worth keeping it safe in an ender chest until you are ready to put it to use.
All Methods
- 1Found in End Ship item frames in End Cities
- 2Cannot be crafted
- 3Only one Elytra per End Ship
Tips for Finding Elytra
- First defeat the Ender Dragon to access the outer End islands via the End Gateway portal
- End Cities with ships spawn on the outer End islands; not every End City has a ship
- The Elytra is in an item frame in the treasure room of the End Ship
- A Shulker guards the Elytra; bring a shield to block Shulker projectiles
- Use Firework Rockets for powered flight (craft with paper + gunpowder)
- Mending enchantment is essential since Elytra cannot be re-crafted; repair with Phantom Membranes
Version History
- Added in 1.9 (Combat Update)
Additional Notes
Found exclusively in End Ships. Use firework rockets for powered flight. Cannot be crafted.
Applicable Enchantments
Related Items & Guides
Players hunting for Elytra often look for Ender Pearl, Eye of Ender, and Diamond Chestplate as well, since they share locations, recipes, or a progression path. For full stats and the crafting grid, the dedicated Elytra item page has the complete breakdown.
View the Elytra item pageFrequently Asked Questions
Where do you find Elytra in Minecraft?
Elytra is found in The End (End Cities with End Ships). Found in End Ship item frames in End Cities.
What is the best way to get Elytra?
The most efficient method is to find it in End Ship item frames in End Cities.
Can you craft Elytra?
No. Elytra cannot be crafted in vanilla Minecraft, so you must obtain it from its in-world source by looting it from End Ship item frames in End Cities.
How hard is it to find Elytra?
Finding Elytra is rated very hard (5 out of 5) — it sits among the hardest items in the game to acquire, usually saved for the late game.
When was Elytra added to Minecraft?
Elytra was added in the 1.9 update and is part of the current 1.21 release.