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

South of Midnight officially arrives on April 8, but if you’re eager to jump in, snagging the Premium Edition lets you start playing immediately. This anticipated title isn’t just confined to Xbox Series X|S; you’ll find it on Windows PC via the Xbox app, Steam, and even through cloud gaming. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, you can seamlessly switch between devices while enjoying cross-entitlements and cross-saves. To help you dive into this intriguing world, we’ve compiled six essential tips to enhance both your exploration and combat experience.

Step into the hauntingly enchanting universe of South of Midnight, a game that pulls inspiration from the folklore-laden American South. Beneath its fairytale facade lies a narrative filled with depth and complexity. You’ll follow Hazel as she gains the unique power of Weaving in her quest to find her mother, who has vanished in a supernatural deluge. As you journey through a distorted Southern landscape, you’ll face off against Haints—mysterious foes born from the land’s sorrow—and help heal Mythical Creatures that spring from real folklore, all crafted beautifully by Compulsion Games.

If you’re among the lucky Premium Edition owners, you can dive into the adventure today, before everyone else gets a turn come April 8. To arm you for this thrilling journey, we’ve curated some pro tips focusing on exploration and combat to give you an edge:

Look Everywhere

Navigating the chapters of South of Midnight might initially seem straightforward, especially with the magical Guiding Strand that leads you to your next goal. But there’s a treasure trove of secrets waiting beyond the beaten path. With platforming, spellwork, or simply a sharp eye, you can uncover hidden areas that reward your curiosity. The payoff? Floofs, the game’s upgrade currency, which can fast-track your progress through the skill tree (more on that shortly). Make a point of seeking these out, as they help you amplify your abilities far faster than just sprinting from objective to objective.

Additionally, keep an eye out for Life Filaments. Most chapters will have one tucked away, often in the most secluded nooks. Collect three of these, and you’ll gain a permanent health boost.

Expand These Stories

The essence of South of Midnight is woven through its stories—from Hazel’s quest to the sad histories of the Mythical Creatures encountered. But for those craving a deeper dive, seek out notes and items scattered across each chapter. They’re discreetly hinted at by small circles but can be easily missed unless you’re paying attention.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill bits of world-building; they enrich the narrative with backstories and insights into the characters that you might otherwise gloss over. Unraveling these tales can provide context and depth, enhancing your understanding of the core story.

Upgrade Early and Often

Upgrades are your lifeline in the chaotic battles that await. Even the simplest of enemies can chip away at your health, and when a Mythical Creature steps in, you’ll feel the challenge. Early investment in your skill tree gives you the upper hand. Most upgrades offer fresh perks rather than just enhancing existing skills. For example, a health-boosting Unravel attack or a nifty double-dodge can make Hazel formidable in no time. Strategically navigate the skill tree and target upgrades that address your combat shortcomings.

Use Dodges as Attack and Defence

Hazel lacks a traditional block, but her dodge skill is no mere evasion tool. Timed perfectly, it becomes an aggressive move. Execute a Perfect Dodge, and you’ll release a shockwave that staggers nearby enemies, damaging them in the process. Observing enemy attack patterns enables you to dodge tactically, turning defense into offense.

Use Spells as Interrupts

It’s crucial to minimize the enemy’s opportunities to hurt you. While Hazel’s dodge is invaluable, sometimes a pre-emptive strike is the better choice. Casting spells like Pull, Push, or Weave can disrupt an enemy’s attack. While it might be tempting to fire off spells as soon as they’re ready, holding one back can save you in a pinch, serving as a crucial interrupt when foes start to close in.

Chain Your Spells

Mastering spell usage can keep adversaries from attacking, especially as you upgrade. Use your abilities in tandem, like Pulling an enemy close and following up with Weave, which can be enhanced to further impede them. Once they break free, push them back and finish with a ranged assault. Practice chaining spells, and what once felt like a drawn-out battle can become a swift, fluid takedown—all within a single combo.

South of Midnight is set to be available for everyone starting April 8, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and the cloud, with Game Pass access on day one. If you can’t wait, the Premium Edition gets you playing right now, along with some neat digital extras to enrich your journey.