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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it might just change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mayhem Mounts drop also adds a host of fresh elements and updates focused on riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this release, as the development team had long felt it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a new weapon that would provide extended reach, and we designed it specifically for fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We experimented with a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're asking yourself whether fighting from a saddle means you can tilt at your friends on steeds, the response is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action excellently designed for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a major functions for the spear, and it's a blast," the developer says. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the thrust, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and get greater injury [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The unruly pleasure can extend beyond there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the wings and taking to the skies and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

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

Another significant inclusion in this fresh content is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is modeled after the seashells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also conserve your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to come up for air for fresh air.

The remaining new features are mostly things that seek your demise, as is the way 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 dispatch the Drowned, though, you can tame the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the ideal opportunity to also bring in something for aquatic environments," the developer clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for aquatic rides that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus design sketches looked impressive, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

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

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Other additions include the sun-proof skeletons, desert-exclusive undead archers that can endure the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you find yourself in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an striking appearance that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be found at night with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are refinements, including some highly requested tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse bodies of water while riding a horse. Additionally, high-tier barding is now obtainable at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the best defense it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

In summary, the year-end release of the year is a solid offering. The spear by itself — and the potential for chaos — would have constituted a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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