Thriving in the Shadows: 6 Essential Tips for Mastering the World of South of Midnight

South of Midnight is gearing up for its grand unveiling on April 8th, and if you can’t wait that long, dive right in now with the Premium Edition. This captivating game is making its debut on Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and even through the cloud. Plus, it’s available on day one with Game Pass. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, you can seamlessly switch between Xbox consoles, your PC, and the cloud, while enjoying full cross-entitlements and cross-saves. To help you kick off your adventure, we’ve assembled six vital tips to aid you in exploring and dominating in combat.

Stepping into South of Midnight feels like entering a dark, whimsical world influenced by the myths and tales of the American South. But don’t be deceived by its ethereal appearance; the narrative depth and complex challenges it offers are anything but a child’s fairytale.

You step into the shoes of Hazel, who inherits the mystical ability of Weaving after her mother vanishes in a mysterious, supernatural flood. Your quest takes you across a twisted version of the South in a desperate search for answers and her whereabouts. Along your journey, you’ll face off against Haints—twisted enemies born from the world’s anguish—and tend to the wounds of Mythical Creatures, drawn to life from the folklore by Compulsion Games’ creative minds.

For those who grabbed the Premium Edition, the adventure begins today, even before the full release on April 8. To help navigate this thrilling quest, we’ve gathered some essential insights into both exploration and combat:

Look Everywhere

As you wander through each chapter of South of Midnight, you might be tempted to simply follow the magic threads of your Guiding Strand that lead you towards your next objective. But trust me, there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered. Every nook of this world is packed with hidden areas. Some need a little agility to reach, others will require a spell here and there, while some might land you in epic battles you wouldn’t want to miss. A sharp eye will serve you well in uncovering these secrets.

Your hard work will be rewarded with Floofs, the currency you’ll use to power up your skills. It’s well worth the effort of exploring; with Floofs, you can boost your skill tree capabilities (which we’ll get into soon) far faster than simply sprinting to the finish line.

And that’s not all—you may stumble upon Life Filaments as you explore. These gems are usually tucked away in the deepest corners of each chapter. Collecting three grants you a permanent health upgrade.

Expand These Stories

South of Midnight isn’t just about Hazel’s quest—it’s a treasure trove of stories yearning to be told. Beyond the primary tale, delve deeper by seeking out items, notes, and more peppered across each chapter. Look for small circles as you draw near, often tucked away in secluded spots.

These are not just extras; hidden notes flesh out layered narratives for the characters and stories intertwining with your main quest. You may unearth hidden motives or secrets that enrich the world you’re discovering, and make significant connections simply by learning about a character’s life. It’s a rewarding way to enhance the entire storytelling experience.

Upgrade Early and Often

By exploring thoroughly, you’ll zip through the upgrade tree in no time—and when the combat gets tough, you’ll be grateful. Even on normal difficulty, battles in South of Midnight pack a serious punch. Basic Haints can sap huge chunks of your health in a single blow, and Mythical Creatures require even more caution. Upgrades are your ticket to turning the tide.

Instead of just pumping up your stats, upgrades in South of Midnight offer nifty perks. For instance, after you Unravel (defeat) an enemy to reclaim health, you can trigger a crowd-control blast to scatter any lurking foes. A speedy double-dodge is a game-changer against rapid-fire attacks. Dive into the skill tree and focus on upgrades that tackle your current challenges.

Use Dodges as Attack and Defense

Although Hazel isn’t able to block incoming blows, her dodge skill more than makes up for that. Each dodge lets you escape rapidly and provides brief invincibility. But time your dodge just right, and you’ll activate a Perfect Dodge, which sends out an energy blast. This move stuns your foes and delivers damage, giving you a tactical edge. Understanding enemy attack timings can turn defense into a powerful offensive tool.

Use Spells as Interrupts

The dangers in South of Midnight can escalate swiftly, and while Hazel’s dodge is invaluable, sometimes disrupting an attack altogether is the better path. Most foes can have their offensive patterns upended with a well-timed spell. Whether it’s a Pull, a Push, or a Weave spell, it can halt an enemy in their tracks.

Though it’s tempting to unleash spells as soon as they recharge, keep one in reserve as a lifesaver. When you spot an enemy charging up an attack, a quick spell can be your get-out-of-jail-free card.

Chain Your Spells

When you want to trap an adversary in uninterrupted chaos, chaining spells is your best strategy. This becomes particularly potent once you’ve gathered a few upgrades.

For example, use Pull to drag an enemy closer, then add a Weave to increase the damage they take while tangled. Follow up with another Weave as they break free, and use a Push to damage and maintain distance. Then, a charged ranged attack can seal the deal. With practice, foes that seemed immovable at first can fall to a perfectly executed chain of moves. It’s immensely satisfying.

Mark your calendar for April 8, 2025, when South of Midnight hits Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and cloud platforms. Dive into this eerie and enchanting world today by opting for the Premium Edition, which offers exciting digital extras.

For those who love immersive experiences, South of Midnight’s Premium Edition offers a captivating exploration of the Deep South, adorned with the rich tapestry of Southern folklore. As Hazel, you’ll unravel familial secrets and reconcile the legacies of the past with your own identity. This Southern Gothic tale promises an adventure filled with mythical creatures, enchanted spells, and unforgettable stories.

Experience the hauntingly beautiful visuals, emotional narratives, and entrancing music that make South of Midnight a compelling journey through a uniquely crafted world.