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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it features the first new weapon added to the title since the mace made its debut. The lance is finally here and it could very well alter your gameplay in Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mayhem Mounts update also introduces several new features and updates related to animal mounts in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the creators had long felt it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we wanted a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," stated a senior product manager. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the intended purpose."

If you're wondering whether fighting from a saddle means you can charge at your allies on horseback, the answer is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an combat move ideally crafted for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary functions for the spear, and it's so much fun," the developer continues. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the jab attack, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict increased harm [with] the more pace you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun can extend beyond 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 very late, [spears are] ideal for strapping on the elytra and going out and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she hints.

In other words: Sky jousting is now real, and it should be made an competitive event immediately.

Another significant inclusion in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the seashells we've all been collecting for years, can be tamed and ridden for submarine exploration. Not only will it move you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also conserve your oxygen levels, so there's no need to come up for air for fresh air.

The remaining new features are largely things that want to kill you, as is the nature of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a undead nautilus spawning in the water, sometimes with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"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 bring in something for aquatic environments," the developer explains. "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 connection to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

She also notes that there are actually a pair of variants of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you find underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Further inclusions include the Parched, biome-specific skeletons that can endure the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you end up in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels have an notable look that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a comparable rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some much-anticipated adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse rivers and lakes while atop a horse. Additionally, netherite horse armor is now available at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the best defense it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

Overall, the final game drop of the year is a pretty good one. The spear on its own — and the potential for chaos — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Throw in the Nautilus, and additional creatures seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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