Minecraft 1.21.11 Mounts of Mayhem Update: What's new?

Mojang just dropped the mic on 2025 with the final update of the year: Mounts of Mayhem (Version 1.21.11).

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to jump back into Minecraft, this is it. We’re talking about a weapon that can one-shot mobs while flying, rideable underwater squids, and finally making horses useful across rivers. Here is the breakdown of what Mojang has been cooking.

⏰ TL;DR: The Mounts of Mayhem Update

Short on time? Here's a quick rundown:

• New Weapon (The Spear): A cheap, shovel-style weapon. Use it with an Elytra for one-hit kills or use the "Lunge" enchant to dash (but watch your hunger bar!).
• Rideable Squid (The Nautilus): A new underwater mount that gives you infinite water breathing.
• New Mob Variants: You can finally find and tame Zombie Horses and the new Camel Husks.
• Horses Swim Now: Horses, Donkeys, and Camels no longer sink in rivers.
• Netherite Horse Armor: Your horse can finally be as tanky as you are.

The Spear: A Cheap Weapon with a High Skill Ceiling

The Spear changes everything about aerial combat in Minecraft. Crafted with just two sticks and an iron ingot (cheaper than a sword), this weapon becomes absolutely devastating when combined with Elytra flight. Landing a hit while gliding can one-shot most mobs, making it perfect for hunting down Phantoms or clearing out mob farms from above.

Depending on what the Spear is made out of, it does a pretty good amount of damage, with up to 5 heart damage with the netherite spear.

The real game-changer is the Lunge enchantment. This exclusive enchant lets you dash forward with incredible speed, perfect for closing gaps in PvP or escaping tight situations. The catch? Each lunge drains your hunger bar significantly, so stock up on golden carrots before going on a spear-lunging spree.

The Nautilus: Your New Underwater Companion

Forget potions of water breathing as the Nautilus is here to revolutionize ocean exploration. This rideable squid variant spawns in deeper ocean biomes and can be tamed using tropical fish. Once mounted, you gain permanent water breathing and enhanced underwater speed, making those Ocean Monument raids significantly less painful.

The Nautilus also has a unique ability to emit light underwater, acting as a mobile light source while you explore shipwrecks and underwater caves. Just be careful, they're relatively fragile and won't survive long if attacked by Drowned or Guardians.

New Mount Variants and Swimming Updates

Zombie Horses are no longer limited to creative mode or obscure spawn conditions. They now naturally spawn in specific biomes during thunderstorms and can be tamed with rotten flesh. Meanwhile, Camel Husks bring a desert undead variant that's perfect for players who want that post-apocalyptic aesthetic.

The swimming update is perhaps the most practical change. Horses, Donkeys, and Camels can now swim across rivers and shallow water bodies without dismounting you. No more awkwardly getting off your horse every time you hit a stream. Just ride straight through.

Netherite Horse Armor: Because Your Horse Deserves Better

Finally, Netherite Horse Armor joins the game. Crafted by upgrading Diamond Horse Armor with a Netherite Ingot at a Smithing Table, this armor provides maximum protection for your mount. Combined with the swimming update, your horse can now accompany you through almost any terrain without becoming a liability.