Minecraft has officially unveiled a significant new game update, aptly named ‘Mounts of Mayhem,’ and its star addition is none other than the spear!
This sharp-tipped weapon marks the first new addition to Minecraft’s arsenal in quite some time, and it’s the first tiered item—meaning it comes in progressively more durable variants—introduced since the humble hoe made its debut back in 2010.
After years of battling skeletons with just a sword, you might be curious about the spear’s arrival. Thankfully, it’s set to unlock exciting new gameplay possibilities, most notably: jousting!
Just like in real life, you’ll be able to wield your trusty spear either on foot or astride your steed, which gives a hint to the ‘Mounts of Mayhem’ title. The other half of that mayhem? It’s not just players getting to enjoy this new weapon… prepare for encounters with Mounted Zombies, who will now also ride Zombie Horses, complete with their own spears!
In a recent announcement, developer Mojang detailed the spear’s mechanics. The weapon offers slow, long-range jabs and more powerful charge attacks, with damage scaling based on your movement speed. Imagine galloping on horseback, your spear primed, ready to deliver devastating damage to any foe in your path. Of course, this means those formidable Mounted Zombies will pose an equally significant threat.
Crafting and upgrading your spear is key. You can start with a basic wooden spear and progress to more elaborate versions made from gold, stone, copper, iron, diamond, and even Netherite. However, there’s a strategic trade-off: while fancier materials enhance durability, they also increase the spear’s weight, resulting in slower attacks. It’s a fascinating balance to consider.
Embedded Video: Minecraft Official Copper Golem, Chest, and Gear Overview Trailer
Mojang has also confirmed that mounted combat isn’t limited to dry land; it extends underwater with Mounts of Mayhem’s new tamable aquatic mob, the Nautilus. And for those who prefer aerial assaults, you can even wield spears while gracefully soaring through the skies with Elytra wings.
Will spears inspire the next big fan meme, perhaps a new take on the ‘Chicken Jockey’ when the Minecraft Movie sequel arrives? Only time will tell. For now, players can anticipate testing the ‘Mounts of Mayhem’ features very soon, ahead of its full release later on.
In the meantime, dedicated Minecraft fans can immerse themselves in the game’s latest major content drop, ‘The Copper Age’ update, which is available now and introduces those utterly adorable and friendly copper golems.
This article was originally written by Tom Phillips, IGN’s News Editor.