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The seasonal content update for Minecraft has touched down — and it features the initial fresh armament added to the title since the heavy club made its debut. The lance is finally here and it could very well change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem update also introduces a host of fresh elements and enhancements related to animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the natural choice for this update, as the creators had already known it was time for a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we desired a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," explained a lead developer. "We tried out a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both played wonderfully when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the use case."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can charge at your friends on horseback, the answer is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an combat move excellently designed for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary applications for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead says. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and get greater injury [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] ideal for knightly combat."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The chaotic fun doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the elytra and flying forth and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now real, and it needs to become an competitive event without delay.

Another key feature in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This underwater creature, which is based on the seashells found in-game for years, can be tamed and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also maintain your air supply, so there's no necessity to surface for a breath.

The other inclusions are primarily things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus spawning in the water, sometimes with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to defeat the Drowned, though, you can claim the undead mount — or the standard version, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've long considered this issue on and off, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the ideal opportunity to also unveil something for the ocean depths," the lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for sea mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus design sketches looked compelling, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

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

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific undead archers that can withstand the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you venture in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an striking appearance that sees their bones protruding. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a analogous rib-popping design 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 minor quality-of-life improvements, including some highly requested adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can cross rivers and lakes while riding a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now craftable at the workbench, so you can give your horse the top-tier safeguarding it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

In summary, the year-end release of the year is a notable addition. The spear alone — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a major improvement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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