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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has landed — and it includes the initial fresh armament introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is now available and it could very well change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you love chaos.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mayhem Mounts update also introduces several new features and updates related to animal mounts in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the creators had already known it was time for a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we wanted a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be mounted combat," explained a senior product manager. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both played wonderfully when we ran our trials and also was visually fitting for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can tilt at your allies on horseback, the response is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary applications for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and deal more damage [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] perfect for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment can extend beyond there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are quite advanced, [spears are] ideal for equipping the elytra and taking to the skies and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now real, and it deserves to be an Olympic sport immediately.

Another key feature in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is inspired by the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and mounted for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also conserve your air supply, so there's no requirement to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are primarily things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a undead nautilus spawning in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you succeed in defeat the Drowned, though, you can befriend the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've long considered this challenge on and off, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the ideal opportunity to also introduce something for aquatic environments," the developer clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a number of concepts for sea mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked striking, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also points out that there are actually two distinct kinds of undead nautilus: regular and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the Parched, desert-exclusive skeletons that can survive in the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you venture in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are refinements, including some long-overdue changes to riding horses. Now, you can ford waterways while riding a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now obtainable at the crafting table, 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 new threats trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

The Mounts of Mayhem update is live for Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.