The Latest Mayhem Mounts Update Introduces a Beautifully Chaotic Fresh Weapon to the Game

The winter game drop for Minecraft has arrived — and it includes the first new weapon added to the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin 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 drop also introduces a host of fresh elements and enhancements related to riding animals in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the development team had long felt it was time for 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," noted a lead developer. "We experimented with a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also was visually fitting for the use case."

If you're asking yourself whether mounted combat means you can joust against your friends on steeds, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an combat move excellently designed for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary functions for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead adds. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and deal increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] perfect for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment isn't limited to there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the wings and going out and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

In other words: Sky jousting is now a reality, and it needs to become an competitive event immediately.

Another key feature in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is inspired by the nautilus shells found in-game for years, can be tamed and mounted for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it carry you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also preserve your air supply, so there's no need to come up for air for oxygen.

The remaining new features are primarily things that seek your demise, as is the way of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a rotting sea creature appearing in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you are able to take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've long considered this problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the ideal opportunity to also unveil something for underwater," the developer clarifies. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for sea 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 found within the game."

She also adds that there are actually two distinct kinds of undead nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you discover underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Other additions include the Parched, desert-exclusive undead archers that can withstand the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an notable look that sees their ribs poking out. The same goes for 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 refinements, including some highly requested adjustments to riding horses. Now, you can cross rivers and lakes while riding a horse. Also, high-tier barding is now available at the workbench, so you can give your horse the ultimate protection it deserves.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

In summary, the last content update of the year is a pretty good one. The spear alone — and the potential for chaos — would have seemed like a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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