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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it brings with it the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The spear is now available and it could very well change how you play Minecraft, particularly when you enjoy mayhem.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also introduces a host of fresh elements and updates related to riding animals in the game. That driving concept made the spear the natural choice for this update, as the development team had already known it was time for a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we desired a fresh armament that would add some more range, and we designed it specifically for mounted combat," noted a senior product manager. "We tried out a number of concepts, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials and also looked good for the use case."

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

"Mounted lance combat] is one of the biggest applications for the spear, and it's a blast," the lead says. "The spear has a dual attack system: You have the thrust, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict greater injury [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for knightly combat."

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 visited The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] ideal for strapping on the elytra and taking to the skies and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Sky jousting is now a reality, and it needs to become an competitive event right away.

Another major addition in this fresh content is the underwater mount. This underwater creature, which is inspired by the seashells found in-game for years, can be domesticated and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it move you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also conserve your breath meter, so there's no need to come up for air for fresh air.

The rest of the additions are largely things that seek your demise, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a undead nautilus appearing in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you are able to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can befriend the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've been thinking about this challenge periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the perfect moment to also introduce something for underwater," the developer elaborates. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a number of concepts for aquatic rides that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus design sketches looked compelling, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

She also adds that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] add variety to what you encounter underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific skeletons that can withstand the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you end up in that environment. Sometimes you'll see them on zombified camels, another fresh creature. 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 encountered after dark with a spear-carrying undead rider on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are refinements, including some long-overdue adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford bodies of water while mounted on a horse. Also, 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

Overall, the final game drop of the year is a solid offering. The spear alone — and the mayhem it enables — would have felt like a considerable upgrade. Add in the Nautilus, and more things trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a little more dangerous.

The Mounts of Mayhem update is out now for all major editions of Minecraft.