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The seasonal content update for Minecraft has landed — and it features the first new weapon added to the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it has the potential to alter your gameplay in Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

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

"From the outset, we understood that we aimed for a new weapon that would increase combat distance, and we designed it specifically for mounted combat," stated a lead developer. "We prototyped 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 ideally crafted 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 pair of offensive moves: You have the thrust, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you couch your lance and get increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment isn't limited to there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the wings and taking to the skies and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now possible, and it deserves to be an competitive event without delay.

Another significant inclusion in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This sea-dwelling mob, which is based on the seashells found in-game for years, can be domesticated and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also preserve your air supply, so there's no requirement to come up for air for a breath.

The rest of the additions are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a rotting sea creature popping up in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you are able to take care of the Drowned, though, you can tame the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this problem for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the right time to also unveil something for aquatic environments," the developer explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for sea mounts that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus concept art looked impressive, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also points out that there are actually a pair of variants of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Other additions include the sun-proof skeletons, desert-exclusive skeletons that can withstand the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you venture in that environment. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be spawned in the darkness with a lance-wielding undead rider on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are refinements, including some long-overdue adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can cross rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Also, high-tier barding is now obtainable at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

Overall, the final game drop of the year is a pretty good one. The spear by itself — and the potential for chaos — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Add in the Nautilus, and additional creatures trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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