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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it brings with it the initial fresh armament added to the game since the mace made its debut. The lance is now available and it has the potential to change how you play Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mayhem Mounts update also introduces a host of fresh elements and updates centered around animal mounts in the game. That driving concept made the spear the perfect fit for this release, as the creators had already known it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we designed it specifically for mounted combat," noted a senior product manager. "We tried out a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials and also was visually fitting for the use case."

If you're wondering whether mounted combat means you can charge at your friends on steeds, the response is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an attack perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a major applications for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the developer says. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and get more damage [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] perfect for jousting on horses."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The unruly pleasure doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the wings and flying forth and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now a reality, and it should be made an Olympic sport immediately.

Another major addition in this new update is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it carry you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also preserve your oxygen levels, so there's no need to surface for oxygen.

The rest of the additions are largely things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a rotting sea creature popping up in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you are able to take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've pondered this issue periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to also bring in something for the ocean depths," the developer clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked impressive, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their bones protruding. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a comparable rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some highly requested adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford rivers and lakes while riding a horse. Furthermore, netherite horse armor is now craftable at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the final game drop of the year is a pretty good one. The spear alone — and the potential for chaos — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Throw in the Nautilus, and additional creatures trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

The Mounts of Mayhem content drop is available for Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.