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

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

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

"We knew initially that we desired a new weapon that would provide extended reach, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," explained a lead developer. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the lance was the one that both played wonderfully when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the use case."

If you're wondering whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your allies on horseback, the response is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an offensive action excellently designed for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a primary applications for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead adds. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a sprinting strike where you lower your spear and deal greater injury [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun doesn't have to stop 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 very late, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the elytra and taking to the skies and making some real mayhem," she teases.

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

Another significant inclusion in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This underwater creature, which is inspired by the seashells we've all been collecting 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 maintain your air supply, so there's no requirement to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are primarily things that want to kill you, as is the way of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a rotting sea creature appearing in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've long considered this challenge on and off, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the perfect moment to also unveil 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 test, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked compelling, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also notes that there are actually a pair of variants of undead nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] add variety to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the Parched, biome-specific undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you end up in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. 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 spawned in the darkness with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are minor quality-of-life improvements, including some long-overdue adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse waterways while mounted on a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now available at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the last content update of the year is a solid offering. The spear on its own — and the mayhem it enables — would have seemed like a significant enhancement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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