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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it brings with it the first new weapon added to the game since the heavy club made its debut. The spear is finally here and it has the potential to change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you thrive on pandemonium.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mayhem Mounts drop also introduces a host of fresh elements and enhancements focused on riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this release, as the development team had already known it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"From the outset, we understood that we desired a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be mounted combat," explained a lead developer. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the intended purpose."

If you're asking yourself whether fighting from a saddle means you can tilt at your companions on steeds, the answer is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an attack perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a major use cases for the spear, and it's a blast," the lead adds. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you couch your lance and inflict increased harm [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun isn't limited to there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] perfect for equipping the wings and going out and making some real mayhem," she hints.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now real, and it should be made an competitive event immediately.

Another key feature in this new update is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the nautilus shells found in-game for years, can be domesticated and ridden for submarine exploration. Not only will it move you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also preserve your breath meter, so there's no need to surface for fresh air.

The other inclusions are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a zombie Nautilus appearing in the water, frequently with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to take care of the Drowned, though, you can tame the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this issue periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the perfect moment to also bring in something for aquatic environments," the developer elaborates. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for aquatic rides that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked striking, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also points out that there are actually two different types of undead nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you encounter underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Additional features include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific skeletons that can withstand the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you end up in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their ribs poking out. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a comparable rib-popping design and can sometimes be spawned in the darkness with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are minor quality-of-life improvements, including some highly requested changes to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Furthermore, netherite horse armor is now available at the workbench, so you can give your horse the best defense it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

Overall, the year-end release of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the pandemonium it invites — would have seemed like a major improvement. Add in the Nautilus, and additional creatures seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

The Mayhem Mounts update is out now for all major editions of Minecraft.