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The winter game drop for Minecraft has arrived — and it brings with it the first new weapon introduced into the title since the heavy club made its debut. The lance is now available and it might just change how you play Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem update also incorporates several new features and updates centered around riding animals in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this update, as the development team had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we desired a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," stated a senior product manager. "We tried out a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both handled superbly when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the intended purpose."

If you're asking yourself whether mounted combat means you can charge at your allies on horseback, the answer is a definite affirmative. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary functions for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the jab attack, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and deal increased harm [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] ideal for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment can extend beyond there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] excellent for strapping on the wings and taking to the skies and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she teases.

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

Another significant inclusion in this latest drop is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is based on the seashells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for submarine exploration. Not only will it move you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no need to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the nature of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a rotting sea creature popping up in the water, often with a zombie villager on its back. If you are able to take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've pondered this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the right time to also bring in something for the ocean depths," the developer elaborates. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a few different ideas for underwater mounts that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus concept art looked compelling, 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] provide diversity to what you encounter underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Other additions include the Parched, biome-specific skeletons that can endure the sun, which means there's no refuge from them if you find yourself in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels have an notable look that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some long-overdue adjustments to riding horses. Now, you can cross rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Additionally, netherite horse armor is now available at the crafting table, so you can give your horse the ultimate protection it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the final game drop of the year is a solid offering. The spear by itself — and the mayhem it enables — would have constituted a major improvement. Add in the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

The Mayhem Mounts content drop is live for Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.