Mounts of Mayhem lands on Switch: spear combat and new mounts

Mojang has released the Mounts of Mayhem drop for Minecraft on Nintendo Switch. The update focuses on mounted play and traversal, introducing a new weapon, fresh rideable mobs, and stronger horse gear. Players can expect speed-based spear combat, underwater nautilus mounts that extend dive time, and hostile rider encounters across different biomes. Horses also gain new movement flexibility with swimming, plus access to Netherite horse armor.

The drop is delivered as a free software update on Nintendo Switch. Downloading the update requires an internet connection.

The spear – speed-driven melee for foot and saddle

The update adds a tiered spear designed for both on-foot and mounted combat. Its damage scales with your movement speed, pushing riders to time their attacks during fast approaches. The spear supports two moves: a jab that creates space with knockback, and a charge that hits harder the faster you travel.

• Lunge enchantment – grants a burst of speed on jab; higher levels increase the distance traveled.
• Resource trade-off – using an enchanted spear consumes hunger like sprinting or jumping; higher enchantment levels increase the drain.

Ocean travel – nautilus and zombie nautilus

In the oceans, players can find the nautilus and zombie nautilus, specialized underwater mounts built for speed beneath the surface. While riding, the Breath of the Nautilus effect preserves your air supply, enabling longer dives and safer exploration. Both variants can be tamed with pufferfish, and a rare zombie nautilus variant can appear in warmer waters.

Desert ambush – camel husk with double riders

In sandy biomes, the camel husk appears as a passive mount, but it often spawns with two hostile riders and does not burn in sunlight. Expect a combination of mounted skirmishes and ranged pressure before you can claim it. One of its riders is a familiar husk; the other is a new enemy called the parched, which attacks with a bow and also does not burn during the day.

Night encounters – zombie horses

Read also our article: How to watch the Splatoon 3 North American League Playoffs live

Zombie horses can spawn at night with spear-wielding zombie riders. Dislodge the rider and you can tame the undead steed. These mounts are passive once unmounted, opening up night-time opportunities for players who are prepared.

Gear upgrade – Netherite horse armor and swimming

Horses can now equip Netherite horse armor – the game’s strongest horse armor tier, which is immune to fire. Crafting requires a diamond horse armor, a Netherite ingot, and a Netherite upgrade template at the smithing table. Additionally, horses can swim across water; they move slower than on land, but it removes the need to ferry them by boat.

Who rides what – hostile rider breakdown

Several passive mounts arrive with aggressive handlers. Here is a concise look at the pairings and their typical loadouts.

Final takeaway – mounted combat and mobility step up

Mounts of Mayhem expands Minecraft’s mounted sandbox on Switch – from speed-scaling spear duels to underwater and desert rides with distinct threats. If you rely on horses or plan ocean runs, the Netherite armor and nautilus mounts materially change how you travel, fight, and survive.