Thriving in the Shadows: 6 Essential Tips for Navigating the Dark Fantasy of South of Midnight

The launch of "South of Midnight" is set for April 8th, and the game offers an engaging experience either through the Standard or Premium Edition. Benefiting from Xbox Play Anywhere, players can enjoy seamless gameplay on Xbox Series X|S, a Windows PC, or via cloud streaming. As part of its release celebration, we’re sharing six essential tips to navigate both its exploration and combat adventures.

Embark on an epic journey within "South of Midnight," a game steeped in the deep and mysterious tales of the American South. Despite its fairy tale appearance, the game’s narrative and challenges are anything but simple.

The storyline centers around Hazel, who finds herself wielding the mystical art of Weaving, after a supernatural flood spirits her mother away. As you traverse a fantastical version of the South, your quest to uncover the fate of her mother begins. Alongside the dangers you’ll face, such as battling sorrow-fueled enemies known as Haints, you’ll also encounter and heal Mythical Creatures straight from the annals of folklore, all brought vividly to life by Compulsion Games.

While Premium Edition users can dive into the action today, officially, everyone can join the adventure on April 8th. Here are some strategic tips to enrich your experience:

Look Everywhere

As you navigate the varied chapters of "South of Midnight," you might be tempted to rely solely on the Guiding Strand, this mystical thread that directs your path. But there’s more than meets the eye. Each area is loaded with secrets: some demand deft platforming skills, others need a splash of magic, and some will draw you into unexpected battles. These hidden gems won’t give up their secrets easily.

The payoff for your diligent exploration is what the game calls Floofs, a currency for upgrades. It’s a wise move to gather these through exploration rather than just heading straight to your objectives. By doing so, you’ll be able to enhance your abilities at a much quicker pace.

Another valuable find during your travels are Life Filaments. Scattered across the chapters, usually in secluded areas, collecting three of these can permanently boost your health.

Expand These Stories

The heart of "South of Midnight" beats with stories—from Hazel’s quest to find her mother to the rich backgrounds of the Mythical Creatures she encounters. To uncover more about these narratives, search for items and notes hidden within each chapter. They are often tucked away in spots marked by small circles as you approach.

These snippets weave a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants, revealing hidden motives and enriching your grasp of the wider narrative.

Upgrade Early and Often

Maximize your time by diving into the game’s upgrade tree through exploration, because when the going gets tough, those upgrades make all the difference. Even at standard difficulty, enemies in "South of Midnight" can deliver brutal hits that significantly dent your health. Mythical Creatures are even more formidable, so enhancing your abilities is your best defense.

Upgrades tend to offer new perks rather than simply boosting existing stats. For example, the Unravel ability not only helps you regain health but, with the right upgrade, can stun nearby enemies too. The double-dodge, meanwhile, becomes invaluable against foes launching multiple attacks. Delve into the skill tree and choose upgrades wisely to match the challenges you’re facing.

Use Dodges as Attack and Defense

While Hazel lacks a block feature, her dodge ability is a powerful tool in your arsenal. Using it effectively with precise timing not only allows you to evade harm but hits with a Perfect Dodge unleashes a shockwave that stuns foes, offering both offensive and defensive benefits.

Use Spells as Interrupts

Given the high stakes in battles, it can sometimes be more effective to preemptively halt an attack. Cast spells mid-battle—like Pull, Push, or the incapacitating Weave—to disrupt an enemy’s moves. Save a spell or two during your combos to act as an emergency stop if an enemy winds up for a major attack.

Chain Your Spells

Mastering the art of chaining spells can lock down your opponents effectively, particularly after obtaining a few choice upgrades. A strategic spell sequence can make quick work of foes that once demanded a more defensive approach. Begin with a Pull, followed with a Weave, and finish with a Push to damage and distance the enemy, then deliver a ranged attack to seal the deal.

"South of Midnight" officially opens on April 8, 2025, delivering its magic across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and the cloud. Enjoy the game ahead of its global launch by opting for the Premium Edition, which also includes an array of digital extras.

Dive into the rich tapestry of "South of Midnight" with its Premium Edition. This version not only lets you start the game five days early but also grants you access to unique digital content like an artbook, soundtrack, comic book, and more. As you navigate this immersive universe, you’ll embrace the power of a Weaver, exploring mythic stories and confronting the legends of the Southern folklore. Amidst the haunting beauty of Prospero, prepare to unravel a narrative filled with mystery, history, and personal growth.