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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has landed — and it features the first new weapon added to the game since the mace made its debut. The lance is finally here and it might just alter your gameplay in Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mayhem Mounts drop also introduces a host of fresh elements and enhancements centered around animal mounts in the game. That driving concept made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the creators had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we wanted a new weapon that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be mounted combat," noted a lead developer. "We tried out a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both handled superbly when we ran our trials and also was visually fitting for the use case."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your companions on steeds, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action excellently designed for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary functions for the spear, and it's a blast," the lead says. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the jab attack, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and get more damage [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for jousting on horses."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun 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 even more ridiculous idea. "If you are quite advanced, [spears are] ideal for strapping on the elytra and flying forth and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she hints.

In other words: Sky jousting is now possible, and it needs to become an Olympic sport without delay.

Another key feature in this new update is the underwater mount. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the nautilus shells we've all been collecting for years, can be domesticated and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it move you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your breath meter, so there's no requirement to return to the surface for fresh air.

The rest of the additions are largely things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a undead nautilus spawning in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've been thinking about this problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the perfect moment to also unveil something for aquatic environments," the lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus concept art looked striking, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also notes that there are actually two distinct kinds of undead nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the sun-proof skeletons, desert-exclusive skeletons that can survive in the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you venture in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another fresh creature. Camel husks have an excellent design that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The applies equally to zombie horses, who have a analogous rib-popping design and can sometimes be found at night with a lance-wielding undead rider on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some highly requested tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse waterways while atop a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding 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 final game drop of the year is a solid offering. The spear on its own — and the mayhem it enables — would have felt like a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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