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The seasonal content update for Minecraft has touched down — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it could very well change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mayhem Mounts drop also introduces a host of fresh elements and updates related to riding animals in the game. That driving concept made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the development team had already known it was time for a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we wanted a fresh armament that would provide extended reach, and we designed it specifically for fighting from atop a creature," stated a senior product manager. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the lance was the one that both handled superbly when we ran our trials and also was visually fitting for the use case."

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

"[Jousting on horses is a primary use cases for the spear, and it's a blast," the developer says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and inflict greater injury [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for mounted duels."

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 in the end-game, [spears are] ideal for strapping on the elytra and going out and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she hints.

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

Another major addition in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the seashells found in-game for years, can be tamed and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also maintain your air supply, so there's no necessity to surface for a breath.

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

"We've been thinking about this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the right time to also introduce something for underwater," the lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a number of concepts for underwater mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus design sketches looked striking, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also points out that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you encounter underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Other additions include the Parched, desert-exclusive undead archers that can survive in the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you venture in that region. 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 similar exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some highly requested changes to equestrian travel. Now, you can cross bodies of water while atop a horse. Also, high-tier barding is now available at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the year-end release of the year is a notable addition. The spear alone — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a significant enhancement. Add in the Nautilus, and more things trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

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