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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it might just change how you play Minecraft, especially if you love chaos.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem update also adds a host of fresh elements and enhancements focused on animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the creators had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we desired a new weapon that would provide extended reach, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a senior product manager. "We prototyped a few different ideas, 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 asking yourself whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your friends on horseback, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action excellently designed for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a major functions for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead continues. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you lower your spear and inflict greater injury [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the wings and taking to the skies and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she hints.

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

Another major addition in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is based on the seashells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it move you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are primarily things that are out to get you, as is the way of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus spawning in the water, sometimes with a zombie villager on its back. If you are able to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can tame the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've been thinking about this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to also unveil something for aquatic environments," the developer elaborates. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus concept art looked compelling, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

She also points out that there are actually a pair of variants of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] add variety to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

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 region. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels 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 found at night with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some long-overdue tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford waterways while atop a horse. Furthermore, netherite horse armor is now available at the crafting table, so you can give your horse the ultimate protection it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

In summary, the year-end release of the year is a solid offering. The spear on its own — and the potential for chaos — would have constituted a significant enhancement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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