🔗 Share this article

The winter content update for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it includes the initial fresh armament introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it could very well revolutionize your approach to Minecraft, particularly when you thrive on pandemonium.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also adds a host of fresh elements and updates focused on animal mounts in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the development team had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we aimed for a fresh armament that would add some more range, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials and also made sense for the use case."

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

"Mounted lance combat] is one of the biggest applications for the spear, and it's a blast," the developer says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the thrust, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict more damage [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The unruly pleasure isn't limited to there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the wings and going out and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now a reality, and it should be made an competitive event right away.

Another key feature in this new update is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the seashells we've all been collecting for years, can be tamed and mounted for submarine exploration. Not only will it carry you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also conserve your air supply, so there's no requirement to return to the surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are primarily things that seek your demise, as is the way of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a rotting sea creature appearing in the water, sometimes with a zombie villager on its back. If you succeed in take care of the Drowned, though, you can tame the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've been thinking about this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the ideal opportunity to also bring in something for aquatic environments," the lead elaborates. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for sea mounts that we wanted to experiment with, 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 undead nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] add variety to what you discover underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Further inclusions include the sun-proof skeletons, desert-exclusive undead archers that can withstand the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you venture in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous rib-popping design and can sometimes be spawned in the darkness with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are refinements, including some much-anticipated changes to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse bodies of water while atop a horse. Furthermore, netherite horse armor is now obtainable at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

In summary, the last content update of the year is a notable addition. The spear alone — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a considerable upgrade. Throw in the Nautilus, and new threats trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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