🔗 Share this article

The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has landed — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the title since the heavy club made its debut. The lance is finally here and it has the potential to change how you play Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem update also incorporates several new features and enhancements focused on riding animals in the game. That focus made the spear the natural choice for this release, as the development team had already known it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we wanted a new weapon that would add some more range, and we designed it specifically for fighting from atop a creature," explained a lead developer. "We experimented with a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both played wonderfully when we ran our trials and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can charge at your companions on steeds, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an attack perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary functions for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead continues. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] perfect for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] ideal for strapping on the wings and taking to the skies and making some real mayhem," she suggests.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now possible, and it deserves to be an Olympic sport right away.

Another significant inclusion in this latest drop is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is inspired by the seashells found in-game for years, can be domesticated and mounted for submarine exploration. Not only will it transport you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no need to return to the surface for a breath.

The other inclusions are largely things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a rotting sea creature spawning in the water, often with a zombie villager on its back. If you manage to defeat the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've long considered this issue for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the right time to also introduce something for the ocean depths," the lead explains. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a several proposals for underwater mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked striking, 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: regular and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you find underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Additional features include the Parched, desert-exclusive undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you find yourself in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their ribs poking out. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a similar exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a lance-wielding undead rider on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some much-anticipated changes to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse rivers and lakes while atop a horse. Additionally, high-tier barding is now obtainable at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the best defense 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 constituted a major improvement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

The Mounts of Mayhem update is out now for Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.