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

South of Midnight is setting the gaming scene abuzz with its release slated for April 8. If you’ve opted for the Premium Edition, though, you’re in luck—you can dive in right now! This eagerly anticipated game will make its debut not only on Xbox Series X|S but also on the Xbox app for Windows PC, Steam, and the cloud. Plus, it’s available on Game Pass right from the start. Taking advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere, you’ll get seamless access across Xbox consoles, Windows PC, and cloud gaming, ensuring all your entitlements and saves follow you everywhere. To gear you up for this enthralling experience, we’ve compiled a list of 6 tips tailored to maximize both your exploration and combat prowess.

Step into South of Midnight, where traditional tales from the American South are reimagined into a dark, mystical world. Don’t be fooled by its fairytale-like façade; the narratives and trials presented are anything but child’s play.

You’ll walk in the shoes of Hazel, who inherits the magical talent of Weaving after a supernatural flood takes her mother away. Your mission? Traverse a distorted southern landscape in search for her. Along the way, you’ll confront corrupted foes known as Haints—twisted creatures born of the world’s sorrow—and offer healing to the fabled beings crafted from actual folklore, thanks to the brilliant minds at Compulsion Games.

For those who sprang for the Premium Edition, you can start your journey today, ahead of the full release on April 8. As you embark, consider these handy tips for exploring and battling through this unexpected journey:

Look Everywhere

The key to mastering South of Midnight’s many chapters? Don’t just follow your Guiding Strand—a useful magical thread guiding you to your next objective. Instead, venture off the beaten path. Each location teems with concealed spots, some accessible via platforming, others through spellcasting, and some through battles you might miss otherwise. Your keen eye will be rewarded.

What do these explorations yield? Floofs, the in-game upgrade currency, which will help you boost your skill tree faster than you’d expect. And as you wander, keep an eye out for Life Filaments. Hidden within each chapter, collecting three filaments nets you a permanent health upgrade.

Expand These Stories

South of Midnight is steeped in stories, from Hazel’s quest for her mother to the tragic tales of Mythical Creatures. If you’re a true lore seeker, dig a little deeper in each chapter for items and notes, indicated by small circles. These aren’t just throwaway items—they provide rich backstories, giving characters and plotlines added depth. It’s a rewarding dive into the intricate world beyond the main narrative.

Upgrade Early and Often

You’ll find that unlocking upgrades quickly becomes essential, particularly as combat ramps up in difficulty. South of Midnight’s battles, even on standard settings, can pack quite a punch. Haints are formidable, and battling Mythical Creatures is no small feat. Upgrades in the game usually offer additional perks rather than just bumping up stats—like enhancing a defeated foe’s Unravel to heal and explode nearby enemies. Exploring the skill tree early and selecting upgrades to tackle upcoming challenges is vital.

Use Dodges as Attack and Defense

Blocking isn’t within Hazel’s toolkit, but her dodging prowess more than compensates. Each dodge can propel you away rapidly, offering invulnerability moments. A meticulously timed Perfect Dodge goes a step further, emitting a shockwave that not only staggers foes but also inflicts damage. Understanding enemy attack timing soon turns dodging into a potent offensive tool.

Use Spells as Interrupts

Getting hit in South of Midnight is no joke, and while Hazel’s dodges are lifesavers, stopping an attack entirely can be a smarter move. Interrupt your adversaries’ assaults by strategically employing spells like Pull, Push, or Weave to nip their attacks in the bud. Rather than casting spells recklessly, hold one in reserve for emergencies. You’ll thank yourself when you disrupt a foe mid-combo with a timely spell.

Chain Your Spells

Once you’ve grasped the basics, chaining spells can keep enemies off balance and maximize damage, particularly following a few upgrades. For instance, Pull in an enemy with a Weave effect to make them more vulnerable. Follow with another Weave once they break free, and finish off with Push to send them flying while keeping your distance. With practice, enemies that once required patience transform into quick takedowns—an immensely gratifying achievement.

Come April 8, South of Midnight will be available across multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and cloud, with Game Pass ready at launch. If you can’t wait, snap up the Premium Edition for immediate access and a trove of digital goodies like an artbook, original soundtrack, and more.

In South of Midnight’s Premium Edition, priced at $49.99, expect to unlock early access perks and an array of digital extras. As Hazel, step into a narrative-rich, Southern Gothic world, filled with mythical creatures and weaving magic that lets you mend worlds and spirits. The blend of haunting visuals and deep storytelling rooted in the American South promises an adventure unlike any other.

Get set to immerse yourself in this remarkable game that blurs lines between reality and fiction, as you unravel the past and weave your path forward.