🔗 Share this article

The seasonal game drop for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it brings with it the initial fresh armament introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is now available and it could very well change how you play Minecraft, especially if you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem update also incorporates several new features and updates centered around animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the creators had already known it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a new weapon that would provide extended reach, and we designed it specifically for fighting from atop a creature," explained a lead developer. "We prototyped a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both handled superbly when we ran our trials and also looked good for the use case."

If you're wondering whether mounted combat means you can tilt at your companions on horseback, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a primary applications for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the developer continues. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you lower your spear and inflict increased harm [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The wild enjoyment isn't limited to there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for equipping the wings and flying forth and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she teases.

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

Another key feature in this fresh content is the underwater mount. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the seashells players have gathered for years, can be domesticated and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to come up for air for fresh air.

The other inclusions are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the way of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus spawning in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you succeed in defeat the Drowned, though, you can claim the undead mount — or the standard version, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've pondered this challenge for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the ideal opportunity to also bring in something for the ocean depths," the lead explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a number of concepts for underwater mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked compelling, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

She also adds that there are actually a pair of variants of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Other additions include the Parched, desert-exclusive undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you venture in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for zombie horses, 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 highly requested tweaks to riding horses. Now, you can traverse waterways while atop a horse. Furthermore, netherite horse armor is now available at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the best defense 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 seemed like a major improvement. Add in the Nautilus, and more things trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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