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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it includes the first new weapon introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The spear is finally here and it might just alter your gameplay in Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem update also incorporates a host of fresh elements and updates related to animal mounts in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this release, as the creators had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we desired a fresh armament that would add some more range, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both handled superbly 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 charge at your companions on steeds, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a major applications for the spear, and it's a blast," the lead says. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and get increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity 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 far enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] ideal for strapping on the elytra and flying forth and making some real mayhem," she suggests.

In other words: Sky jousting is now a reality, and it needs to become an Olympic sport without delay.

Another significant inclusion in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to surface for oxygen.

The rest of the additions are mostly things that want to kill you, as is the nature of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a undead nautilus appearing 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 zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've been thinking about this problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the perfect moment to also bring in something for underwater," the developer clarifies. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus concept art looked impressive, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also notes that there are actually two distinct kinds of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you discover underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Other additions include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific skeletons that can withstand the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a comparable exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some much-anticipated adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can cross rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now obtainable at the crafting table, so you can give your horse the best defense it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

In summary, the year-end release of the year is a pretty good one. The spear alone — and the pandemonium it invites — would have seemed like a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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