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The winter content update for the block-building phenomenon has landed — and it includes the initial fresh armament introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The lance is finally here and it might just change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also incorporates a host of fresh elements and updates related to riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the ideal addition for this update, as the development team had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a new weapon that would add some more range, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," explained a senior product manager. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the intended purpose."

If you're wondering whether fighting from a saddle means you can tilt at your friends on steeds, the response is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an attack ideally crafted for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a primary use cases for the spear, and it's a blast," the developer says. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and get more damage [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The chaotic fun can extend beyond there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the elytra and flying forth and making some real mayhem," she hints.

In other words: Sky jousting is now real, and it deserves to be an Olympic sport right away.

Another significant inclusion in this new update is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the nautilus shells we've all been collecting for years, can be domesticated and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it carry you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also preserve your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to return to the surface for oxygen.

The other inclusions are largely things that seek your demise, as is the way of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus popping up in the water, often with a zombie villager on its back. If you manage to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've pondered this problem for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the perfect moment to also bring in something for aquatic environments," the lead explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus design sketches looked striking, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

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

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions 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 environment. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another new mob. Camel husks have an excellent design that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are refinements, including some long-overdue adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford rivers and lakes while atop a horse. Additionally, netherite horse armor is now available at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the ultimate protection it deserves.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

Overall, the final game drop of the year is a pretty good one. The spear on its own — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a significant enhancement. Add in the Nautilus, and new threats trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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