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The seasonal content update for the block-building phenomenon has touched down — and it brings with it the first new weapon introduced into the title since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it has the potential to revolutionize your approach to Minecraft, especially if you enjoy mayhem.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also adds a host of fresh elements and enhancements related to riding animals in the game. That driving concept 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 desired a new weapon that would provide extended reach, and we envisioned it for fighting from atop a creature," noted a lead developer. "We experimented with a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both felt great when we ran our trials and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're wondering whether mounted combat means you can tilt at your friends on horseback, the response is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action perfectly suited for it.

"Mounted lance combat] is one of the biggest applications for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead continues. "The spear has two attacks: You have the quick stab, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you couch your lance and get increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] perfect for knightly combat."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The wild enjoyment isn't limited to there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an delightfully absurd idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] excellent for equipping the elytra and flying forth and unleashing absolute pandemonium," she suggests.

In other words: Sky jousting is now a reality, and it needs to become an Olympic sport without delay.

Another key feature in this new update is the Nautilus. This underwater creature, which is modeled after the seashells players have gathered for years, can be tamed and ridden for underwater travel. Not only will it carry you through the water faster than swimming, it'll also conserve your oxygen levels, so there's no necessity to surface for a breath.

The remaining new features are largely things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a undead nautilus spawning in the water, often with a zombie villager on its back. If you are able to defeat the Drowned, though, you can tame the zombie Nautilus — or the regular one, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've pondered this challenge for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it appeared to be the right time to also bring in something for aquatic environments," the lead elaborates. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas 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 a pair of variants of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] give some flavor to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the Parched, biome-specific skeletons that can survive in the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you venture in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on desiccated dromedaries, another new mob. Camel husks have an striking appearance that sees their ribs poking out. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a similar rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark 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 changes to riding horses. Now, you can traverse rivers and lakes while riding a horse. Also, high-tier barding is now obtainable at the workbench, so you can give your horse the best defense it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

All told, the final game drop of the year is a pretty good one. The spear on its own — and the pandemonium it invites — would have felt like a major improvement. Add in the Nautilus, and new threats seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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