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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it features the initial fresh armament added to the game since the mace made its debut. The spear is now available and it might just change how you play Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also adds a host of fresh elements and enhancements centered around riding animals in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the development team had long felt it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a new weapon that would add some more range, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials 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 perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a primary applications for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead continues. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the thrust, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you lower your spear and get increased harm [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the elytra and going out and making some real mayhem," she teases.

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

Another significant inclusion in this new update is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is modeled after the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it carry you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also maintain your breath meter, so there's no necessity to surface for oxygen.

The rest of the additions are primarily things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a rotting sea creature spawning in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you manage to take care of the Drowned, though, you can tame the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the right time to also introduce something for aquatic environments," the developer explains. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus concept art looked impressive, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of undead nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] add variety to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the Parched, desert-exclusive undead archers that can endure the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a comparable exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are refinements, including some highly requested tweaks to riding horses. Now, you can traverse rivers and lakes while riding a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now obtainable at the crafting table, 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 by itself — and the mayhem it enables — would have constituted a major improvement. Add in the Nautilus, and additional creatures seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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