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The seasonal game drop for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it brings with it the first new weapon introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is now available and it could very well change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mayhem Mounts drop also adds a host of fresh elements and updates centered around riding animals in the game. That driving concept made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the development team had long felt it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we wanted a new weapon that would add some more range, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," noted a senior product manager. "We tried out a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both played wonderfully when we ran our trials and also looked good for the intended purpose."

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

"[Jousting on horses is a major applications for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead continues. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the thrust, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict increased harm [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] perfect for jousting on horses."

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 visited The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for equipping the elytra and flying forth and creating genuine chaos," she suggests.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now a reality, and it deserves to be an competitive event immediately.

Another key feature in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is based on the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it move you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also conserve your oxygen levels, so there's no requirement to return to the surface for oxygen.

The other inclusions are mostly things that want to kill you, as is the way of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a zombie Nautilus appearing in the water, sometimes 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 problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to also unveil something for the ocean depths," the lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a number of concepts for underwater mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked impressive, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you discover underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Additional features include the Parched, biome-specific undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you end up in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are refinements, including some long-overdue adjustments to riding horses. Now, you can cross bodies of water while atop a horse. Additionally, netherite horse armor 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 year-end release of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the mayhem it enables — would have seemed like a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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