During today’s Nintendo Direct, the company revealed a cavalcade of new details about the story, world, and gameplay systems for Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The presentation also included the announcement that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will release on December 1, alongside a themes Switch Pro Controller and a special edition with a special OST CD, a metal case, and a 220-page hardcover art book.

The presentation began with a primer on the game’s world. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is set in the world of Alrest, which is a sky covered by a “sea of clouds”. Creatures known as Titans drift through the sea of clouds, with humans and other races building their civilizations on the Titans’ backs. The center of the world houses the World Tree, with a paradise called Elysium said to lie at its top. Alrest is ruled by 6 distinct powers: the technologically-advanced Kingdom of Uraya; the militaristic Empire of Mor Ardain; the Ardainian-controlled Imperial Province of Gormott; the theocratic Indoline Praetorium; the shrewd, exploitative Argentum Trade Guild; and the secretive, mysterious Torna. The six powers are competing to find the Aegis, which will allow them to reach Elysium.

Meanwhile, the story of the game follows protagonist Rex, who pledges to help Pyra return to Elysium. The quest takes them across the various Titans, each of which features its own distinct geography and landscapes.

The party is divided into Drivers and Blades, with up to three of each in the party at any given time. Driver abilities are known as Driver Arts, which are basic skills for use in combat. Blades have Blade Arts, which support Drivers while they fight on the front lines. Players can switch between Blades in combat, and use items called Core Crystals to give them access to new Blades through Blade resonance. Blades unlocked by Core Crystals are randomized, and may include special ones. Blades are divided into attacker, defender and healer types, each of which provides their own advantages and traits in combat. Using Arts fills up the Blade’s special gauge, which eventually allows the Blade to take over their weapon and attack the targeted enemy.

Full details can be found in the new trailer from the Direct, which you can see below: