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The winter content update for Minecraft has landed — and it brings with it the initial fresh armament introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it has the potential to change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

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 focus made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the creators had long felt it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," explained a senior product manager. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the lance was the one that both played wonderfully when we ran our trials and also made sense for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether mounted combat means you can joust against your companions on steeds, the response is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is one of the biggest functions for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the thrust, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you couch your lance and get increased harm [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment isn't limited to there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the elytra and taking to the skies and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she teases.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now real, and it deserves to be an Olympic sport without delay.

Another key feature in this latest drop is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is based on the seashells found in-game for years, can be tamed and mounted for submarine exploration. Not only will it carry you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also preserve your breath meter, so there's no necessity to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are mostly things that want to kill you, as is the nature of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a zombie Nautilus spawning in the water, sometimes with a zombie villager on its back. If you succeed in take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've been thinking about this issue 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 lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus concept art looked compelling, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific skeletons that can endure the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you venture in that environment. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an excellent design that sees their ribs poking out. The applies equally to zombie horses, who have a comparable exposed-rib aesthetic 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 refinements, including some highly requested tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford rivers and lakes while atop a horse. Additionally, netherite horse armor is now craftable at the workbench, so you can give your horse the best defense it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the last content update of the year is a solid offering. The spear on its own — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a considerable upgrade. Throw in the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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