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The winter content update for the block-building phenomenon has arrived — and it features the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The spear is finally here and it could very well alter your gameplay in 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 animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the perfect fit for this update, as the creators had long felt it was time for a new weapon.

"We knew initially that we desired a new weapon that would increase combat distance, and we envisioned it for fighting from atop a creature," stated a lead developer. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both played wonderfully when we ran our trials and also made sense for the intended purpose."

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

"Mounted lance combat] is a primary applications for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead continues. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you pierce your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and inflict more damage [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] perfect for mounted duels."

Aerial Mayhem & Deep-Sea Exploration

The unruly pleasure isn't limited to there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've been to The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for equipping the wings and taking to the skies and creating genuine chaos," she suggests.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now real, and it needs to become an competitive event right away.

Another major addition in this fresh content is the Nautilus. This aquatic being, which is inspired by the seashells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and mounted for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your oxygen levels, so there's no requirement to surface for oxygen.

The remaining new features are largely things that seek your demise, as is the nature of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a zombie Nautilus appearing in the water, sometimes with a Drowned on its back. If you are able to take care of the Drowned, though, you can befriend the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, 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 seemed like the perfect moment to also unveil something for the ocean depths," the lead explains. "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 impressive, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also notes that there are actually a pair of variants of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] add variety to what you discover underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Additional features include the Parched, desert-exclusive skeletons that can withstand the sun, which means there's no getting away from them if you venture in that region. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their bones protruding. The applies equally to undead steeds, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be found at night with a lance-wielding zombie on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are smaller gameplay updates, including some much-anticipated tweaks to equestrian travel. Now, you can cross waterways while riding a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding is now available at the crafting table, so you can provide your steed with the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

All told, the last content update of the year is a solid offering. The spear alone — 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 live for Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.