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

Get ready to dive into the mysterious world of “South of Midnight,” set to launch on April 8. If you can’t wait until then, the Premium Edition lets you jump in today. Designed for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and the cloud, you can enjoy it right from the start with Game Pass. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, switch between Xbox, PC, and cloud without losing any progress or entitlements. To help you find your way through this dark, enchanting journey, here are some handy tips for exploration and combat.

“South of Midnight” whisks you away to a mystical world steeped in Southern legends. While it might seem like a child’s bedtime story, the adventures within are anything but simple. You step into the shoes of Hazel, who inherits the magical ability of Weaving when her mother mysteriously vanishes in a supernatural flood. Your quest? To chase down clues across a twisted Southern landscape, confront sorrow-born Haints, and heal mythical creatures brought to life from folklore. Created by Compulsion Games, this epic journey offers a truly unique experience.

Owners of the Premium Edition can start playing immediately (before the game’s official release on April 8), and to get you set for this otherworldly trek, here are some tips for both navigating and fighting:

### Explore Every Nook

When exploring “South of Midnight,” always keep your eyes peeled. The Guiding Strand might point you in the right direction, but there’s so much more to uncover. Every locale is packed with hidden areas that might need a bit of acrobatics or spellwork to reach, and you might even stumbled upon unexpected battles. Those who are keen-eyed enough to uncover these hidden gems will be rewarded with Floofs — the currency for upgrades. Spend some time exploring and you’ll find that beefing up your skill tree is far quicker than just rushing between objectives.

Moreover, while you’re on the lookout, keep an eye out for Life Filaments. Each chapter typically hides one in its deepest, darkest corners. Manage to collect three, and you’ll boost your health bar permanently.

### Deepen the Lore

Though “South of Midnight” spins tales of Hazel’s quest and the backgrounds of the mythical creatures you meet, there’s more beneath the surface. Dig deeper by seeking out items and notes scattered throughout each chapter. Often found in hidden spots, these nuggets offer profound insights into characters’ backgrounds and hidden motivations. They enrich the main storyline, giving you a fuller picture of this fascinating world.

### Get Upgraded Quickly

Diving into the upgrade tree early can make all the difference, especially when the combat heat turns up a notch. Even on standard difficulty, the enemies pack a punch and can quickly deplete your health bar. But with upgrades, you gain additional perks to enhance your strategy. For instance, consider adding an area-effect blast when unraveling an enemy to snag health. Explore and prioritize upgrades that will help you overcome new challenges.

### Make Dodging an Art Form

Hazel might not be able to block attacks, but she makes up for it with her impressive dodge skills. A perfectly timed dodge triggers a powerful energy blast that can stagger surrounding foes, inflicting damage in the process. So, pay attention to the attack patterns of your enemies; with practice, you can turn defense into offense.

### Spells for Defense

Being able to stop an attack before it even starts can be a lifesaver. In “South of Midnight,” using spells strategically can interrupt most enemies mid-attack. While casting spells as soon as they are ready is tempting, keeping one as an emergency interrupt can be more effective. This way, you can seamlessly continue your combos and keep on top of your foes.

### Master Spell Chains

To truly incapacitate your opponents, use your full arsenal of spells to maintain continuous attacks. As you gain upgrades, you’ll find you can combine spells for devastating effects. For example, start with a Pull coupled with a Weave, follow up with another Weave spell as they break free, and cap it off with a Push to keep your distance. With practice, earlier tough enemies become manageable, and you can dispatch them with flair.

“South of Midnight” launches on April 8, 2025, available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC via the Xbox app, Steam, and the cloud. It’s also coming day one to Game Pass. Get a head start today by purchasing the Premium Edition and enjoy exclusive digital extras. Whether you’re ready to explore the American South created by the developers of “Contrast” and “We Happy Few,” or just want to immerse yourself in a world woven with old tales, this game offers an unforgettable adventure.

Not only does the Premium Edition offer early access, but it also includes treasures like an art book, the original soundtrack from Olivier Deriviere, the Boo-Hag comic by Rob Guillory, and other digital goodies, inviting you even deeper into this storied world.

In “South of Midnight,” you’ll journey through the Gothic South, weaving magic to mend broken bonds and uncovering the mysteries of a hurricane-ravaged Prospero while playing out a dark, modern folktale. Confront legendary beasts, wield ancient powers to heal them, and immerse yourself in a setting brought to life with detailed visuals and a stirring, narrative-driven score. It’s a spellbinding experience you won’t want to miss.