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The winter content update for Minecraft has arrived — and it brings with it the first new weapon introduced into the game since the mace made its debut. The javelin is now available and it could very well revolutionize your approach to Minecraft, especially if you thrive on pandemonium.

An Armament Designed for Chaotic Rides

The Mounts of Mayhem drop also adds several new features and updates centered around riding animals in the game. That central theme made the spear the perfect fit for this release, as the creators had already known it was time for a new weapon.

"From the outset, we understood that we aimed for a new weapon that would add some more range, and we designed it specifically for mounted combat," explained a lead developer. "We prototyped a few different ideas, but the spear was the one that both handled superbly when we tested our prototypes and also looked good for the intended purpose."

If you're curious whether mounted combat means you can charge at your allies on horseback, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there's even an attack ideally crafted 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 a dual attack system: You have the quick stab, where you just stab your enemy. But you also have a powerful lance where you lower your spear and deal increased harm [with] the more speed and velocity you have. So [it’s] tailor-made for jousting on horses."

Sky-High Chaos and Underwater Adventures

The chaotic fun doesn't have to stop there, though. If you're far enough into the game that you've explored The End, the developers have an even more ridiculous idea. "If you are quite advanced, [spears are] perfect for equipping the wings and taking to the skies and creating genuine chaos," she hints.

In other words: Sky jousting is now possible, and it should be made an competitive event right away.

Another major addition in this new update is the Nautilus. This sea-dwelling mob, which is inspired by the seashells we've all been collecting 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 requirement to surface for fresh air.

The remaining new features are mostly things that are out to get you, as is the tradition of Minecraft. Unsurprisingly, there's also a undead nautilus appearing in the water, frequently with a zombie villager on its back. If you manage to dispatch the Drowned, though, you can claim the undead mount — or the standard version, for that matter — with a spiky fish.

"We've long considered this problem for some time, and again, like with the spear and [adding] more mounts, it felt like the perfect moment to also unveil something for the ocean depths," the lead explains. "For the Nautilus specifically, we had a several proposals for aquatic rides that we wanted to experiment with, but the Nautilus concept art looked striking, and we have the link to the Nautilus shell that was already in the game."

She also points out that there are actually two distinct kinds of undead nautilus: regular and coral zombie Nautilus. "[The variants] add variety to what you discover underwater."

Desert Dangers and Long-Awaited Tweaks

Further inclusions include the Parched, desert-exclusive 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 fresh creature. These passive, zombified camels have an excellent design that sees their ribs poking out. The same goes for zombie horses, who have a similar exposed-rib aesthetic and can sometimes be spawned in the darkness 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 changes to riding horses. Now, you can cross rivers and lakes while mounted on a horse. Furthermore, high-tier barding is now available at the crafting table, so you can give your horse the top-tier safeguarding it deserves.

A Fittingly Chaotic Finale

All told, the year-end release of the year is a solid offering. The spear by itself — and the pandemonium it invites — would have felt like a significant enhancement. Combine that with the Nautilus, and more things seeking your end, and Minecraft's definitely getting a bit spicier.

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