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The seasonal content update for Minecraft has landed — and it features the first new weapon added to the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it has the potential to revolutionize your approach to Minecraft, especially if you love chaos.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem update also incorporates a host of fresh elements and updates related to riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the natural choice for this update, as the development team had already known it was time for a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we desired a new weapon that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We experimented with a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials and also was visually fitting for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether mounted combat means you can joust against your companions on steeds, the response is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an attack excellently designed for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a primary functions for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead continues. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a sprinting strike where you lower your spear and inflict more damage [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] perfect for knightly combat."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment can extend beyond there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the elytra and taking to the skies and making some real mayhem," she hints.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now a reality, and it deserves to be an Olympic sport without delay.

Another key feature in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This sea-dwelling mob, which is based on the seashells we've all been collecting for years, can be domesticated and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also preserve your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to surface for fresh air.

The rest of the additions are primarily things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a rotting sea creature spawning in the water, frequently with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can claim the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've pondered this issue periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to also introduce something for the ocean depths," the developer explains. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked compelling, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two distinct kinds of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the Parched, biome-specific 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 fresh creature. Camel husks have an excellent design that sees their bones protruding. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a comparable 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 long-overdue changes to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now craftable at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

Overall, the final game drop of the year is a solid offering. The spear alone — and the potential for chaos — would have felt like a major improvement. Throw in the Nautilus, and more things trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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