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The seasonal content update for Minecraft has touched down — and it brings with it the initial fresh armament added to the title since the heavy club made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it has the potential to alter your gameplay in Minecraft, especially if you love chaos.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mayhem Mounts update also incorporates a host of fresh elements and enhancements centered around animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the development team had already known it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we desired a fresh armament that would provide extended reach, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," stated a lead developer. "We experimented with a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both played wonderfully when we tested our prototypes and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether mounted combat means you can joust against your companions on steeds, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action ideally crafted for it.

"[Jousting on horses is one of the biggest applications for the spear, and it's a blast," the lead adds. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and get more damage [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment isn't limited to there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are quite advanced, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the wings and going out and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she hints.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now possible, and it needs to become an competitive event immediately.

Another significant inclusion in this latest drop is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the seashells we've all been collecting for years, can be domesticated and ridden for submarine exploration. Not only will it carry you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also conserve your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to surface for a breath.

The other inclusions are mostly things that want to kill you, as is the way of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus 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 tame the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've pondered this problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the right time to also bring in something for the ocean depths," the developer explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a number of concepts for sea mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus concept art looked striking, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you encounter underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the Parched, desert-exclusive skeletons that can survive in the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you end up in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an striking appearance that sees their ribs poking out. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some much-anticipated adjustments to riding horses. Now, you can cross waterways while mounted on a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now obtainable at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the ultimate protection it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

All told, the last content update of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the pandemonium it invites — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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