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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 game since the mace made its debut. The lance is finally here and it could very well alter your gameplay in Minecraft, particularly when you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mayhem Mounts drop also adds several new features and updates related to animal mounts in the game. That focus made the spear the ideal addition 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 add some more range, and we wanted it to be fighting from atop a creature," noted a senior product manager. "We tried out a number of concepts, but the spear was the one that both played wonderfully when we tested our prototypes and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether fighting from a saddle means you can joust against your friends on horseback, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an offensive action excellently designed for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a primary functions for the spear, and it's incredibly enjoyable," the lead says. "The spear has two attacks: You have the thrust, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a charge attack where you lower your spear and deal increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're advanced sufficiently into the game that you've visited The End, the developers have an truly outlandish idea. "If you are very late, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the wings and going out and making some real mayhem," she hints.

In other words: Sky jousting is now a reality, and it should be made an Olympic sport immediately.

Another major addition in this latest drop is the underwater mount. This sea-dwelling mob, which is inspired by the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be domesticated and mounted for underwater travel. Not only will it transport you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also maintain your breath meter, so there's no necessity to return to the surface for a breath.

The remaining new features are mostly things that seek your demise, as is the nature of Minecraft. Naturally, there's also a zombie Nautilus appearing in the water, sometimes with a Drowned on its back. If you manage to take care of the Drowned, though, you can claim the zombie Nautilus — or the standard version, for that matter — with a blowfish.

"We've pondered this issue on and off, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the ideal opportunity to also bring in something for underwater," the lead elaborates. "For the Nautilus in particular, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to test, but the Nautilus design sketches looked striking, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was found within the game."

She also points out that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: standard and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you find underwater."

Parched Perils & Overdue Enhancements

Additional features include the Parched, desert-exclusive skeletons that can survive in the sun, which means there's no escape from them if you find yourself in that biome. Sometimes you'll see them on camel husks, another new mob. These passive, zombified camels have an striking appearance that sees their skeletal frame exposed. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a analogous exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be spawned in the darkness with a spear-carrying zombie on their back.

The last two things on the drop's list are minor quality-of-life improvements, including some highly requested changes to riding horses. Now, you can traverse rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Additionally, high-tier barding is now available at the workbench, so you can give your horse the top-tier safeguarding it is worthy of.

A Spicy Send-Off for the Year

In summary, the final game drop of the year is a notable addition. The spear on its own — and the potential for chaos — would have constituted a major improvement. Throw in the Nautilus, and more things trying to kill you, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

The Mounts of Mayhem content drop is available for all major editions of Minecraft.