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The seasonal game drop for Minecraft has touched down — and it brings with it the initial fresh armament added to the title since the mace made its debut. The lance is now available and it has the potential to change how you play Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mayhem Mounts drop also incorporates several new features and updates focused on animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the development team had already known it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," explained a lead developer. "We tried out a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both played wonderfully when we tested our prototypes and also was visually fitting for the intended purpose."

If you're wondering whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your friends on steeds, the answer is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an combat move perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] 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 charge attack where you lower your spear and deal increased harm [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun can extend beyond there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] ideal for equipping the elytra and going out and creating genuine chaos," she teases.

In other words: Sky jousting is now real, and it needs to become an Olympic sport without delay.

Another significant inclusion in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is inspired by the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be domesticated and ridden for submarine exploration. Not only will it carry you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your air supply, so there's no necessity to come up for air for oxygen.

The other inclusions are primarily things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a zombie Nautilus appearing in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you succeed in take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the undead mount — or the standard version, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this problem for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the perfect moment to also unveil something for aquatic environments," the lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for aquatic rides that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus design sketches 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 different types of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you end up in that environment. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another new mob. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous 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 much-anticipated adjustments to riding horses. Now, you can cross waterways while riding a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now available at the workbench, so you can give your horse the ultimate protection it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

In summary, the last content update of the year is a solid offering. The spear by itself — and the pandemonium it invites — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and additional creatures trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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