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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has landed — and it includes the initial fresh armament added to the game since the heavy club made its debut. The javelin is now available and it has the potential to alter your gameplay in Minecraft, especially if you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem update also adds several new features and enhancements centered around animal mounts in the game. That driving concept made the spear the natural choice for this release, as the creators had already known it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we desired a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're wondering whether mounted combat means you can tilt at your friends on steeds, the response is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is one of the biggest use cases for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the developer continues. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the thrust, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you lower your spear and get greater injury [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] perfect for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun isn't limited to there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently 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] perfect for equipping the wings and taking to the skies and making some real mayhem," she teases.

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

Another major addition in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the seashells we've all been collecting for years, can be tamed and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it carry you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also preserve your breath meter, so there's no necessity to return to the surface for oxygen.

The rest of the additions are mostly things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a rotting sea creature spawning in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you manage to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can claim the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've long considered this challenge for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the right time to also introduce something for the ocean depths," the developer elaborates. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for sea mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked impressive, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the sun-proof skeletons, desert-exclusive undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you end up in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. Camel husks have an excellent design that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a comparable exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be found at night 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 equestrian travel. Now, you can cross waterways while atop a horse. Additionally, netherite horse armor is now available at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the ultimate protection it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

In summary, the last content update of the year is a notable addition. The spear by itself — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a significant enhancement. Add in the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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