Thriving South of Midnight: 6 Essential Tips for Success in a Dark, Fantastical Realm

Mark your calendars for April 8, when South of Midnight officially launches, though if you’re impatient, dive in today with the Premium Edition. This game rolls out across platforms like Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and the cloud, and is immediately available with Game Pass. Plus, with Xbox Play Anywhere, you can seamlessly play on Xbox consoles, PCs, and the cloud with all entitlements and saves intact. And if you’re gearing up for the adventure, we’ve cooked up six handy tips to help navigate both the exploration and battle arenas of this dark fantasy world.

Dive into the arresting universe of South of Midnight, where the enchanted and the eerie echo tales rooted in the American South. But don’t be fooled by its fairytale facade; the story of Hazel, which compels her to embrace her newly-gained magical talent of Weaving following her mother’s disappearance to a supernatural flood, promises depth far beyond simple storytelling. Your mission? Cross an imaginative yet menacing version of the South in search of both Hazel’s missing mother and answers to lingering questions. Along your journey, expect to clash with Haints, fiercely twisted foes born from the world’s deep sorrows, and encounter Mythical Creatures drawn from real-life fables, masterfully woven into the experience by Compulsion Games.

For those who snatched up the Premium Edition, the adventure begins now, well ahead of its wide release on April 8. To ensure you make the most out of your journey, we’re doling out expert tips on both exploration and combat:

Explore Every Corner

You may be tempted to follow the Guiding Strand—think magical breadcrumbs leading you to your next target—but South of Midnight’s rich environments hide many secrets. You’ll find hidden nooks that demand platforming skills, spells, or even a bout of combat. Keep a sharp eye out, and you’ll reap the rewards, like Floofs, the in-game currency for upgrades. Take a little time to explore, and you could expedite enhancements to your abilities significantly quicker than if you just bulldoze straight to your objectives. Don’t miss out on gathering Life Filaments hidden in each area, as collecting three could boost your health bar permanently.

Deepen Your Understanding of the Story

At the heart of South of Midnight is storytelling—not just Hazel’s quest to reunite with her mother but also the somber narratives of the Mythical Creatures she meets. To uncover the intricate tapestry of these tales, hunt down hidden notes and items scattered throughout the chapters. These are more than just Easter eggs—they’re tidbits that enrich your experience, offering a window into the intricate backgrounds and motivations that shape the personalities in your core questline.

Prioritize Upgrades Early

You’ll advance through your skill tree significantly faster with a little exploration, which becomes crucial when the battles ramp up. Even on standard difficulty, combat in South of Midnight can be quite a ride, with basic enemy attacks chipping away hefty portions of your health. You’ll need those upgrades to shift the battle back in your favor by primarily providing perks rather than stat boosts. Think area-of-effect moves to stagger nearby foes when you Unravel wounded enemies, or a nifty double-dodge to outmaneuver rapid-fire projectiles. Take the time to assess your skill tree and aim for upgrades that resolve current and upcoming challenges.

Turn Dodges into a Powerful Move

Though Hazel can’t block attacks, she compensates with a nifty dodge move that often turns the tide in battle. Execute a perfectly timed dodge just as an attack lands, and suddenly, you unleash a burst of energy that stuns and damages surrounding adversaries. Understanding enemy attack timings not only defends you—it turns defense into one of your most potent offensive tools.

Use Spells Strategically

Sure, those swift dodges are fabulous, but sometimes it’s safer to stop attacks in their tracks. A well-timed spell—whether it’s Pull, Push, or the incapacitating Weave—can interrupt attacking enemies, giving you a crucial breather. It’s easy to get spell-happy, but keeping one in reserve could save Hazel when things heat up and allows you to keep walloping enemies without missing a beat.

Master the Art of Spell-Chaining

To truly dominate in battle, string your spells together for a relentless assault. Pull an enemy in with a Weave, then hit them again with another spell after they break free. As they reel, unleash a Push to deal damage while keeping a comfortable distance, poised to unleash long-range assaults. With practice, foes that once seemed insurmountable go down in the blink of an eye—a truly exhilarating experience.

On April 8, 2025, when South of Midnight lands on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and cloud, it’s ready and waiting for you on Game Pass right from day one. If you’re itching to jump in sooner, grab the Premium Edition and indulge in its digital extras—immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful world that Compulsion Games has crafted.

Combining the depth of world-building we saw in Contrast along with the unique twists of We Happy Few, South of Midnight emerges as a mesmerizing action-adventure set in the mystical American Deep South. As Hazel, explore a world brought to life with Southern folklore creatures and navigate the personal and familial challenges she faces. Unravel the deeply layered storytelling and enjoy a game world brimming with beauty, darkness, and a sense of wonder. So, prepare to weave the magical threads of Hazel’s journey, and see where it leads.