Thriving in the Shadows: 6 Essential Tips for Navigating the Dark and Fantastical World of South of Midnight

Mark your calendars for April 8 because that’s the day South of Midnight is officially dropping—unless you’re eager to jump in early, in which case the Premium Edition lets you dive into the action right now. You can look forward to playing across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC through the Xbox app, Steam, and the cloud—with the bonus of it being available on Game Pass from day one. Plus, with Xbox Play Anywhere, you can enjoy seamless gaming between your Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud, complete with cross-entitlements and cross-saves to ensure your progress is preserved wherever you play. To officially gear up for this captivating release, we’ve lined up 6 essential tips to boost your exploration and combat skills.

Step into the world of South of Midnight, and prepare for an adventure deep within a hauntingly enchanting realm inspired by the rich folklore of the American South. While it might have a fairytale façade, the underlying stories and the trials you’ll face are anything but simple.

The storyline brings you alongside Hazel, a young woman who discovers the mystical art of Weaving after a supernatural flood sweeps away her mother. Hazel’s quest involves traversing a distorted version of the Southern landscape, unraveling the mystery behind her mother’s disappearance, and combating the sorrow-infused Haints—malicious entities spawned from the world’s suffering. Additionally, you’ll encounter Mythical Creatures tied to classic Southern legends, a tangible manifestation of the creative brilliance of developer Compulsion Games.

If you’re kicking things off with the Premium Edition, you’ll get a head start before the April 8 release date everyone else is waiting for. Here are some top tips to navigate both the exploratory and combat elements of this unique journey:

### Explore Every Corner

Each chapter in South of Midnight is a treasure trove of secrets. Your trusty Guiding Strand—a magical thread leading you to your next objective—makes navigation a cinch. However, the real treasures lie off the beaten path. From secluded nooks requiring skilled platforming to bewitching spells and unexpected battles, there’s always more than meets the eye, often rewarding curious explorers with valuable Floofs, the currency you need for upgrades. Dig deeper, and you might even stumble upon a Life Filament, strategically tucked away to offer you a permanent health boost when you gather three.

### Delve into the Layers of the Story

South of Midnight isn’t just about its main narrative. As Hazel searches for her mother, the discovery of notes and artifacts deepens the story’s appeal, adding layers to both the main tale and personal histories of the Mythical Creatures she encounters. These narrative treasures, marked by subtle prompts, are waiting in overlooked spots, offering insights into character motivations and enriching the storyline.

### Prioritize Upgrades

Upgrading your skills can be your salvation. As the intensity of combat ratchets up, investing time into beefing up your skill tree could mean the difference between life and death. South of Midnight’s combat demands strategic prowess, with Haint encounters capable of delivering brutal blows to Hazel’s health bar. The upgrade path offers more than just stat boosts, providing strategic perks—like healing bursts during battles or agile evasive maneuvers—that could turn the tables in your favor.

### Master the Art of Dodging

While Hazel doesn’t possess a traditional shield, she more than compensates with a potent dodge. Time a dodge to perfection just when an attack is about to land, and you’ll send a shockwave that disrupts foes and deals satisfying damage. Knowing the intricacies of when and how enemies attack will make you just as formidable defensively as you are in outright combat.

### Cast with Precision

Weaving spells isn’t just for offense; it’s your key to thwarting attacks. By using your repertoire of spells as interrupts while enemies gather their offensive momentum, you maintain an edge. Rather than burning through your spells on cooldown, conserve them as tactical disruptions—an essential strategy for seamlessly maintaining offensive momentum without risking counters.

### Unleash Spell Combos

Locking down foes can be an art form. By chaining your spells together effectively, especially after some upgrades, you turn strategic blocks of time into opportunities for continued offence. Draw in enemies with a Pull spell, immobilize them with a Weave, and blast them away with a Push—each spell neatly segueing into the next for relentless, satisfying combo takedowns.

Excitement is in the air, as South of Midnight gears up for its launch. While the full game opens on April 8, those who can’t wait can dive in early with the Premium Edition and enjoy exclusive digital bonuses.

Both the Premium Edition for $49.99 and the standard release for $39.99 offer unforgettable journeys into the Deep South. Alongside chance encounters with mesmerizing creatures and an enthralling storyline packed with Southern mythos, you’re invited to experience a epic tale filled with mystery, beauty, and magic. Whether you’re in it for the narrative depth or the sheer pleasure of unraveling each mystery, South of Midnight promises to be an absorbing escapade into a modern folktale.