Minecraft just got a major injection of content with the Mounts of Mayhem update, and it’s bringing some seriously cool additions to both Bedrock and Java editions. Released on December 9, this latest game drop introduces new rideable creatures, a brand-new weapon, and upgraded armor options that’ll change how you explore and fight.
What’s New in Minecraft’s Mounts of Mayhem Update?
This is the fourth game drop of 2025, following Spring to Life (March), Chase the Skies (June), and The Copper Age (September). Mojang’s new release strategy means we’re getting fresh content faster than ever—and Mounts of Mayhem doesn’t disappoint.
The Nautilus: Minecraft’s First True Water Mount
Say hello to underwater exploration made easy. The Nautilus is Minecraft’s new aquatic mount that changes everything about ocean travel:
- Speed: Travels at 5.4 blocks per second underwater
- Special ability: Grants the “Breath of the Nautilus” effect, preserving your air supply while riding
- How to tame: Lure them close using pufferfish
Zombie Nautilus variant:
- Usually comes with hostile Drowned riders (defeat them first before taming)
- The ultra-rare Coral Zombie Nautilus can only be found in specific ocean biomes
Pro tip: If you’ve been dreading long underwater expeditions for ocean monuments or shipwrecks, the Nautilus is your new best friend. No more constantly surfacing for air!
New Zombie Mounts Roaming the Overworld
The undead are getting mobile, and you can ride them—after dealing with their current passengers.
Zombie Horse
- Spawns in the Overworld after dark
- Must defeat the hostile rider before taming
- Perfect for players who want that spooky aesthetic
Camel Husks
Found exclusively in desert biomes, these unique mounts come with a dangerous twist:
- Carries two hostile mobs: a Husk and the new Parched (an arrow-slinging enemy)
- Can operate in daylight without taking damage (unlike typical undead)
- Both the mount and Parched are sunlight-resistant, making desert exploration trickier
The Spear: Minecraft’s New Speed-Based Weapon
Mounts of Mayhem introduces the Spear, a tiered weapon that rewards mobility and combat creativity.
What makes the Spear special:
- Effective in melee combat
- Damage scales with movement speed—the faster you’re moving, the harder you hit
- Devastating when paired with mounts or an Elytra
- Features unique Lunge enchantment that boosts speed during jab attacks
Combat strategy: Combine the Spear with your new Nautilus for high-speed underwater raids, or mount a Zombie Horse for deadly cavalry charges. Elytra users can dive-bomb enemies for massive damage.
Netherite Horse Armor Now Craftable
Your loyal steeds deserve better protection. The update adds craftable Netherite horse armor, giving your horses the best defense available in Minecraft. With all these new hostile mounts roaming around, upgrading your horse’s armor is more important than ever.
How This Changes Minecraft Combat
With speed-based weapons and multiple new mounts, combat dynamics are evolving:
- Mounted combat becomes more viable and strategic
- Underwater battles gain new depth (literally)
- Desert biomes are now more challenging with sunlight-immune enemies
- High-mobility builds get a significant boost
What’s Next for Minecraft in 2026?
Mounts of Mayhem is likely the final major update for 2025, but given Minecraft’s massive player base and Mojang’s new game drop cadence, 2026 should bring even more exciting changes. The developer has shown they’re committed to shaking up gameplay with each release.
Related gaming news: Catch up on other hot updates like Fortnite’s leaked Bleach collaboration and Skyrim coming to Switch 2.
Quick Reference: Mounts of Mayhem Key Features
- New water mount: Nautilus (with Zombie and Coral variants)
- New land mounts: Zombie Horse, Camel Husk
- New weapon: Spear with speed-scaling damage
- New armor: Craftable Netherite horse armor
- New mob: Parched (desert archer)
- New enchantment: Lunge (for Spears)
Bottom line: The Mounts of Mayhem update delivers exactly what its name promises—chaotic new ways to traverse Minecraft’s world while fighting off undead riders. Whether you’re exploring ocean depths on a Nautilus or charging through deserts on a Camel Husk, there’s plenty of fresh content to experience before the year ends.