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The winter content update for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it brings with it the initial fresh armament introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The lance is finally here and it could very well alter your gameplay in Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem update also incorporates several new features and updates related to riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the development team had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we wanted a new weapon that would provide extended reach, and we wanted it to be mounted combat," explained a lead developer. "We tried out a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also was visually fitting for the use case."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your friends on horseback, the response is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an combat move perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is one of the biggest functions for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the developer continues. "The spear has two attacks: You have the jab attack, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and get more damage [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] perfect for knightly combat."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment can extend beyond there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for equipping the wings and going out and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now a reality, and it should be made an competitive event right away.

Another key feature in this fresh content is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the seashells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and mounted for submarine exploration. Not only will it move you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also maintain your air supply, so there's no need to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the way of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus spawning in the water, sometimes with a Drowned on its back. If you succeed in defeat the Drowned, though, you can tame the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this issue on and off, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the ideal opportunity to also introduce something for underwater," the lead elaborates. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for sea mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked impressive, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also notes that there are actually two distinct kinds of undead nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the Parched, desert-exclusive undead archers 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 desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their ribs poking out. The applies equally to zombie horses, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be found at night with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some long-overdue tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can cross waterways while atop a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now craftable at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the ultimate protection it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the year-end release of the year is a notable addition. The spear by itself — and the pandemonium it invites — would have seemed like a considerable upgrade. Add in the Nautilus, and additional creatures trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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