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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it includes 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, particularly when you love chaos.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also incorporates several new features and enhancements centered around riding animals in the game. That focus made the spear the natural choice for this release, as the development team had already known it was the moment to introduce a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we desired a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both handled superbly when we tested our prototypes and also was visually fitting for the use case."

If you're curious whether mounted combat means you can joust against your friends on horseback, the answer is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an offensive action excellently designed for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a major use cases for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the developer says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a sprinting strike where you couch your lance and get greater injury [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] perfect for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The chaotic fun doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for equipping the elytra and flying forth and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now possible, and it should be made an competitive event immediately.

Another significant inclusion in this fresh content is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the nautilus shells 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 preserve your oxygen levels, so there's no requirement to return to the surface for oxygen.

The remaining new features are primarily things that want to kill you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a zombie Nautilus popping up in the water, often with a zombie villager on its back. If you are able to defeat the Drowned, though, you can tame the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've long considered this problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the perfect moment to also unveil something for the ocean depths," the lead elaborates. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for sea mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked impressive, and we have the connection 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 zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you discover 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 refuge from them if you venture in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels have an striking appearance that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be found at night with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are minor quality-of-life improvements, including some long-overdue adjustments to riding horses. Now, you can cross waterways while mounted on a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding is now available at the workbench, so you can give your horse the ultimate protection it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

In summary, the year-end release of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the potential for chaos — would have seemed like a major improvement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and additional creatures seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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