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The winter content update for Minecraft has arrived — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is now available and it could very well revolutionize your approach to Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also incorporates a host of fresh elements and updates related to animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this update, as the creators had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we aimed for a new weapon that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We tried out a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're wondering whether fighting from a saddle means you can charge at your allies on steeds, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an combat move perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a major use cases for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the developer adds. "The spear has two attacks: You have the thrust, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you couch your lance and get greater injury [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] perfect for jousting on horses."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun can extend beyond there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] excellent for equipping the wings and going out and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now a reality, and it should be made an Olympic sport without delay.

Another significant inclusion in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is based on the nautilus shells we've all been collecting for years, can be tamed and mounted for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it move you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also preserve your breath meter, so there's no need to return to the surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are primarily things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a undead nautilus popping up in the water, often with a zombie villager 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 puffer fish.

"We've pondered this issue for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the right time to also introduce something for underwater," the developer elaborates. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus concept art looked impressive, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also notes that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you encounter underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

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 find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their ribs poking out. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a analogous exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are minor quality-of-life improvements, including some highly requested tweaks to riding horses. Now, you can ford waterways while mounted on a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding is now available at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the ultimate protection it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the last content update of the year is a solid offering. The spear by itself — and the pandemonium it invites — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and additional creatures trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

The Mayhem Mounts content drop is available for all major editions of Minecraft.