Elytra

Overview[]

Upon startup, Steve will jump up to activate the wings of the Elytra and then use a Firework Rocket for propulsion.

As the Firework Rocket prepares to launch, the player can aim its trajectory. Once Steve starts to enter freefall, his slow descent can be guided. The move has decent vertical rise but is best suited for horizontal recovery. The initial momentum can also hit opponents head-on but will leave Steve vulnerable during the gliding phase as they cannot attack out of it. Overall, the move functions similarly to the glide mechanic in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

The Elytra is the only Special Move in Steve's repertoire that does not require any materials; as such, it can be used freely without worry of management.

Origin[]

Elytra are one of the more recent items added to Minecraft as of v1.9 of the Java Edition, where it can be found in the treasure rooms of End Ships. When a player is in freefall, they can press the Jump button to activate it and will glide for 7 minutes and 11 seconds before it breaks apart. Elytra can be repaired, however, with another Elytra or Phantom Membranes. The Firework Rocket propulsion ability wouldn't be added until v1.11, which allows for longer flight time.

The concept of the Elytra was based on the Wing Cap from Super Mario 64, but its main inspiration is taken from real-world nature: an elytron (pluralized as elytra) is a hardened forewing on insects that overlaps when closed to protect its more delicate hindwings. Elytra are not necessarily used to aid in flight, but rather for gliding and the slow descent.

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