Better Elytras

A simple Fabric mod for Minecraft 1.21.1 that transforms the Gold Chestplate into an Elytra.

Overview

Better Elytras changes how the Gold Chestplate appears in-game without altering its stats or functionality. The item keeps all its original properties (armor value, durability, enchantability) while displaying as elegant elytra wings.

Features

• Inventory & Hotbar Display: The Gold Chestplate now shows the elytra item texture when viewed in your inventory, hotbar, or item frames
• 3rd Person Rendering: When equipped, players see elytra wings on their character's back in third-person view
• Full Functionality: The item remains a fully functional gold chestplate with original armor stats
• Client-Side Only: Runs entirely on the client with no server modifications needed

How to Use

1. Obtain a Gold Chestplate (craft with 8 Gold Ingots in a U-shape pattern, or find in chests)
2. Equip it in your chest armor slot
3. Look in third-person view to see the elytra wings on your back
4. Use the item normally - it functions as regular gold armor

Tips & Tricks

• Combine with unbreaking or protection enchantments for better durability
• Works in both singleplayer and multiplayer (other players will see the elytra on you if they also have the mod)
• The elytra visual only appears in third-person mode

Known Limitations

• First-person view shows regular armor (this is vanilla behavior)
• Other players without the mod will see a regular gold chestplate
• Visual only - cannot actually fly with the gold chestplate