South of Midnight: Release Date and Gameplay Revealed at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Dive into the enchanting world of South of Midnight, a captivating action-adventure game inspired by the rich tapestry of Deep South folktales. Compulsion Games unveiled exciting details about the game's narrative and gameplay at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025.

Compulsion Games Invites You to South of Midnight

South of Midnight Narrative and Release Date

In an insightful Xbox Wire article, Compulsion Games' writer and narrative designer Zaire Lanier shared a deep dive into the storyline of South of Midnight, set to release on April 8, 2025. The game unfolds in the mystical town of Prospero, a blend of Southern-inspired locales ranging from flooded countrysides and abysmal swamps to the majestic Appalachian mountains.

The narrative kicks off with Hazel, our protagonist, and her mother preparing for an impending hurricane. A heated argument leads Hazel to storm out, only to witness her home being swept away by a devastating flood. Driven by the need to find her lost mother, Hazel embarks on a journey that unveils her true heritage, thrusting her into a fantastical realm teeming with creatures straight out of Southern folklore.

Lanier elaborated on Hazel's encounter with Catfish, a colossal talking creature trapped in a tree after the hurricane's wrath. Catfish reveals to Hazel that she is a Weaver, endowed with magical abilities to perceive and manipulate the threads that weave the fabric of fate. As Hazel navigates this enchanted world, she confronts Haints—corrupted beings that spread decay. Her mission is to harness her Weaving powers to liberate these creatures and restore the natural order.

Embark on Hazel's adventure in the American Deep South starting April 3, 2025, with the Premium Edition priced at $49.99, available on Steam and the Xbox Store. The base game can be purchased for $39.99, and players can also access it on day one with a Game Pass subscription.

Gameplay Involves Threads and Weaving

South of Midnight introduces an innovative gameplay mechanic centered around threads and the art of Weaving. These threads represent the intricate connections that form the tapestry of fate. Hazel can unlock various spells and abilities to combat different types of Haints.

During the Xbox Developer_Direct 2025, game director Jasmin Roy outlined the core combat loop, emphasizing the strategic use of spells like Push, Pull, and Weave. "Timing is key," Roy noted. "Pull distant enemies close to initiate melee combos, push them away to interrupt and stun their attacks, and then capitalize with follow-up strikes."

Hazel's arsenal includes a spindle, weaving hooks, and a distaff, drawing inspiration from traditional textile crafting and spinning wheels. This unique set of tools allows players to engage Haints with diverse movesets and abilities, ultimately purging them of their corruption.

Weaving isn't just for combat; it's crucial for exploration as well. Hazel uses her magical prowess to manipulate threads, summoning past incarnations of objects to aid in puzzle-solving and exploration. In the Direct, she was seen conjuring spectral carriages and gliders to traverse the game's world.

Hazel's quest to rescue her mother will take her through various regions, each with its own distinct theme and environment. Art director Whitney Clayton highlighted that each area is governed by a mythical creature steeped in Southern Gothic lore. One such creature introduced during the Direct is Two-Toed Tom, a massive albino alligator adorned with weapons and overgrown vegetation.

To heal these corrupted beings, Hazel must gather Echoes—fragments of haunted memories. These confrontations lead to epic battles, culminating in the restoration of these mythical creatures to their former glory.

With a myriad of areas to explore and mythical creatures to heal, Hazel's journey in South of Midnight promises a rich and immersive experience, blending narrative depth with innovative gameplay mechanics.