The Latest Mounts of Mayhem Update Introduces a Stunningly Wild Fresh Weapon to Your World

The seasonal game drop for Minecraft has touched down — and it features the initial fresh armament added to the game since the heavy club made its debut. The spear is now available and it has the potential to change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mayhem Mounts drop also incorporates several new features and enhancements focused on riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the development team had already known it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we wanted a new weapon that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for mounted combat," explained a senior product manager. "We tried out a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both handled superbly when we ran our trials and also looked good for the intended purpose."

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

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary functions for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead continues. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a sprinting strike where you couch your lance and inflict more damage [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The unruly pleasure can extend beyond there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are quite advanced, [spears are] perfect for equipping the wings and taking to the skies and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

In other words: Jousting in the clouds is now possible, and it needs to become an competitive event immediately.

Another key feature in this latest drop is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the seashells players have gathered for years, can be domesticated and ridden for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it carry you through the water more swiftly than swimming, it'll also maintain your air supply, so there's no necessity to surface for fresh air.

The rest of the additions are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a rotting sea creature appearing in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you succeed in take care of the Drowned, though, you can claim the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've been thinking about this problem periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the right time to also bring in something for underwater," the developer clarifies. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus design sketches looked striking, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also points out that there are actually two distinct kinds of undead nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you encounter underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Additional features include the sun-proof skeletons, desert-exclusive skeletons that can endure the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another new mob. Camel husks have an notable look that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for undead steeds, who have a analogous exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be found at night with a lance-wielding undead rider on their back.

The final pair of items on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some much-anticipated tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can traverse bodies of water while riding a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding is now available at the workbench, so you can provide your steed with the ultimate protection it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the final game drop of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the potential for chaos — would have seemed like a considerable upgrade. Combine that with the Nautilus, and additional creatures seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

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