Ever since the announcement of Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch, fans have been eagerly awaiting the sequel to 2015’s team-based shooter Splatoon. With the release just around the corner, the latest edition of Nintendo Direct focused on all of the inktastic Splatoon 2 details fans have been waiting for.

The latest Nintendo Direct touched on quite a bit that fans were already aware of, but the tech giants did happen to bring some new details to light about the highly anticipated shooter. As with the first title, Splatoon 2 will have free content for at least a full year after the release. This will include new gear, playable maps, and new weapons to blast your opponents with. One of the new weapons that fans can look forward to after the game’s launch is the Brella – an umbrella shaped weapon that fires ink and doubles as a shield to protect you from enemy fire…or ink.

The three classes of weapons from the first Splatoon (main, sub, and special) will be returning in the sequel. Fans may recognize a few of the main and sub weapons, but the special weapons will all be brand inking new in Splatoon 2. One such weapon is named the Baller, which is a hamster ball that has the ability to roll up walls before dealing some explosive damage.

Among the Splatoon 2 details included in the announcements was that the map known as Port Mackerel will be returning in the sequel, as well as the previously announced Moray Towers. Fans were even given a glimpse of a new art studio based map named Inkblot Art Academy. Also highlighted was one of the post-launch maps that will be free and is pirate ship themed. You can check out the full Nintendo Direct episode below:

Splatoon 2 releases on July 21 on Nintendo Switch. Are you excited for the sequel? Were there any Splatoon 2 details announced that got you on board the hype train? Let us know in the comments section below. As always, be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live 24/7 updates on the hottest news in gaming and entertainment.