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The winter game drop for the block-building phenomenon has landed — and it brings with it the first new weapon introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is finally here and it might just change how you play Minecraft, especially if you thrive on pandemonium.

A Weapon Forged for Mounted Mayhem

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also incorporates a host of fresh elements and updates related to animal mounts in the game. That driving concept made the spear the perfect fit for this release, as the development team had already known it was the moment to introduce a fresh combat tool.

"We knew initially that we wanted a new weapon that would provide extended reach, 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 ran our trials and also looked good for the use case."

If you're wondering 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 combat move perfectly suited for it.

"[Jousting on horses is a major applications for the spear, and it's so much fun," the lead adds. "The spear has a pair of offensive moves: You have the jab attack, where you simply impale your enemy. But you also have a sprinting strike where you lower your spear and deal greater injury [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] perfect for mounted duels."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun isn't limited to there, though. If you're deep enough into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are in the end-game, [spears are] perfect for strapping on the elytra and flying forth and making some real mayhem," she hints.

In other words: Aerial lance combat is now a reality, and it should be made an competitive event right away.

Another key feature in this new update is the underwater mount. This sea-dwelling mob, which is modeled after the nautilus shells players have gathered for years, can be domesticated and mounted for deep-sea journeys. Not only will it move you through the water quicker than swimming, it'll also preserve your air supply, so there's no need to surface for fresh air.

The other inclusions are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the way of Minecraft. As expected, there's also a rotting sea creature appearing in the water, often with a zombie villager on its back. If you succeed in defeat the Drowned, though, you can befriend the undead mount — or the regular one, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've long considered this issue periodically, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it seemed like the right time to also unveil something for the ocean depths," the developer explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a few different ideas for aquatic rides that we wanted to try out, but the Nautilus initial artwork looked impressive, and we have the connection to the Nautilus shell that was pre-existing in the game."

She also notes that there are actually two different types of zombie Nautilus: regular and coral-infested undead mount. "[The variants] provide diversity to what you find underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Further inclusions include the Parched, biome-specific undead archers that can endure 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 fresh creature. Camel husks have an striking appearance that sees their bones protruding. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a comparable rib-popping design and can sometimes be encountered after dark with a lance-wielding undead rider on their back.

The remaining updates on the drop's list are refinements, including some long-overdue adjustments to equestrian travel. Now, you can ford rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Additionally, high-tier barding is now obtainable at the crafting table, so you can give your horse the best defense it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

Overall, the final game drop of the year is a pretty good one. The spear by itself — and the pandemonium it invites — would have constituted a major improvement. Add in the Nautilus, and additional creatures seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a touch more chaotic.

The Mounts of Mayhem update is available for Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.