Discover the release date and gameplay details of South of Midnight unveiled during Xbox Developer Direct 2025. Explore this atmospheric action-adventure game inspired by Deep South folklore and mythology.
Compulsion Games Invites You to South of Midnight
South of Midnight Narrative and Release Date
Compulsion Games' writer Zaire Lanier shared new story details about South of Midnight in an Xbox Wire article, confirming an April 8, 2025 release date. The game transports players to Prospero, a fictional Southern town surrounded by diverse environments ranging from swamplands to Appalachian peaks.
The cinematic story trailer introduces protagonist Hazel preparing for a hurricane with her mother. After a family disagreement, Hazel witnesses her home destroyed by floodwaters. Her desperate search for her missing mother evolves into a journey of self-discovery, thrusting her into a world where Southern folklore comes alive.
Lanier explains: "Hazel encounters magical phenomena throughout Prospero, including meeting Catfish - an enormous talking creature trapped in a tree after the hurricane. He reveals Hazel's destiny as a Weaver, a being with magical abilities to perceive and manipulate the threads connecting all existence."
While this power grants Hazel extraordinary abilities, her journey won't be easy. She must battle the Haints - corrupt entities spreading decay. Game progress requires Hazel to purify these creatures and restore balance to the world.
Players can begin Hazel's adventure starting April 3, 2025 with the $49.99 Premium Edition (available on Steam and Xbox Store). The standard edition retails for $39.99, with Game Pass subscribers gaining day-one access.
Gameplay Involves Threads and Weaving
South of Midnight introduces innovative weaving mechanics where players manipulate the threads of fate. Combat director Jasmin Roy explains: "Hazel's abilities revolve around textile-related magic - pushing, pulling and weaving magical threads. Combat requires tactical timing - pulling enemies close for melee combos, pushing them back to interrupt attacks, then capitalizing on openings."
Hazel wields unique weapons inspired by textile tools - a spindle, weaving hooks, and distaff. These unlock diverse combat options against the Haints, with different fighting styles and upgradable abilities.
The weaving mechanic extends to environmental puzzles. Hazel can reconstruct past versions of objects by manipulating magical threads. The Developer Direct demonstrated this through conjuring spectral vehicles like carriages and gliders for traversal.
Art director Whitney Clayton revealed Hazel will encounter various mythical creatures inspired by Southern Gothic legends. One standout is Two-Toed Tom - an albino alligator warlord covered in weapons and vegetation. Players must collect Echoes (fragmented memories) and defeat these corrupted beings in spectacular boss battles before healing them.
The journey through South of Midnight promises a rich blend of combat, exploration and storytelling as Hazel masters her weaving powers to heal corrupted creatures and ultimately reunite with her mother.
