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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the game since the heavy club made its debut. The javelin 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 drop also introduces several new features and enhancements related to animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition for this release, as the creators had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we desired a fresh armament that would increase combat distance, and we wanted it to be mounted combat," stated a senior product manager. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the lance was the one that both felt great when we tested our prototypes and also made sense for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your companions on horseback, the response is a definite affirmative. 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 so much fun," the developer says. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict more damage [with] the more momentum you have. So [it’s] perfect for jousting on horses."

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 been to The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are quite advanced, [spears are] perfect for equipping the elytra and taking to the skies and making some real mayhem," she teases.

In other words: Sky jousting is now a reality, and it should be made an competitive event without delay.

Another key feature in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This aquatic being, which is modeled after the seashells found in-game for years, can be domesticated and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it move you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also conserve your oxygen levels, so there's no need to come up for air for oxygen.

The rest of the additions are largely things that are out to get you, as is the nature of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a zombie Nautilus spawning in the water, often with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to defeat the Drowned, though, you can tame the undead mount — or the standard version, for that matter — with a puffer fish.

"We've pondered this problem for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the perfect moment to also introduce something for underwater," the lead clarifies. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for sea mounts that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked compelling, and we have the tie-in to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also adds that there are actually two distinct kinds of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Other additions include the sun-proof skeletons, biome-specific skeletons that can survive in the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you venture in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an notable look that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a comparable exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a lance-wielding undead rider on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are refinements, including some highly requested changes to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford rivers and lakes while atop a horse. Also, netherite horse armor is now available at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the best defense it is worthy of.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

In summary, the final game drop of the year is a solid offering. The spear alone — and the potential for chaos — would have constituted a major improvement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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