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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it includes the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The lance is finally here and it might just change how you play Minecraft, especially if you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem update also introduces a host of fresh elements and enhancements related to riding animals in the game. That driving concept made the spear the natural choice for this release, as the creators had long felt it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we desired a fresh armament that would add some more range, and we wanted it to be mounted combat," explained a lead developer. "We experimented with a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both played wonderfully when we ran our trials and also was visually fitting for the use case."

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

"[Jousting on horses is a major functions for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the thrust, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a sprinting strike where you couch your lance and get more damage [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] ideal for knightly combat."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment doesn't have to stop 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 in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the elytra and taking to the skies and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

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

Another significant inclusion in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the nautilus shells found in-game for years, can be domesticated and ridden for submarine exploration. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no need to come up for air for a breath.

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 popping up in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you manage to defeat 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 for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the right time to also introduce something for underwater," the developer explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked striking, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

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

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Other additions include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific skeletons that can endure the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you end up in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another new mob. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their bones protruding. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a similar exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be found at night with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are minor quality-of-life improvements, including some long-overdue changes to riding horses. Now, you can cross bodies of water while mounted on a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding is now craftable at the crafting table, so you can give your horse the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

Overall, the last content update of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the potential for chaos — would have felt like a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and new threats trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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