Glide Plate

Glide Plate is a datapack that allows chestplates to function like Elytra while still providing armor.

What it does

This datapack adds a smithing recipe that converts a chestplate into a "Glide Plate." A Glide Plate is a normal chestplate that has the built-in glider component, allowing the player to glide when it is equipped.

The resulting item:

behaves like a normal chestplate
allows Elytra-style flight
keeps all properties of the original chestplate (enchantments, durability, trims, name, etc.)

Why use this datapack

This datapack combines two armor slots into one:

You no longer need to swap between a chestplate and Elytra
You keep full armor protection while flying
It integrates cleanly into survival gameplay using the smithing table

It is designed to feel like a natural extension of vanilla mechanics rather than a modded system.

How to use (Gameplay)

Use a smithing table with:

Template: Nether Star
Base: Any chestplate
Addition: Elytra

This will produce a Glide Plate of the same material as the base chestplate.

Installation

Singleplayer

How to open your .minecraft folder (Windows):

Press the Windows key or click Start
Type:
```
%appdata%
```
Press Enter
Open the .minecraft folder

Then:

Open your world folder:

.minecraft/saves/<your_world>/datapacks/

Place the glide_plate datapack folder or zip inside the datapacks folder
Run:
```
/reload 
```
Or leave the world and enter again
The datapack is now active in your world

Server

Navigate to your server directory:
```
world/datapacks/
```
Place the glide_plate datapack folder or zip inside the datapacks folder
Restart the server or run:
```
/reload
```
The datapack will load automatically for all players

Important information

Elytra enchantments are not transferred to the result
No additional enchantments are applied automatically
This datapack does not include custom models or visible wings
Works entirely server-side; no client mods required
Works as a data pack without a mod engine

Compatibility

Tested on Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.9, 1.21.10, 1.21.11, 26.1
Requires versions that support item components (minecraft:glider)

Github

Git Repo

https://github.com/killermelon1458/elytra_chestplates_glide_plate