South of Midnight: Release Date and Gameplay Deep Dive from Xbox Developer Direct 2025
Dive into the captivating world of South of Midnight, an action-adventure game inspired by Deep South folktales, unveiled at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025.
Compulsion Games Presents: South of Midnight
Narrative and Release Date
Compulsion Games' narrative designer, Zaire Lanier, recently revealed details about South of Midnight's compelling story and its release date: April 8, 2025. The game unfolds in the mystical town of Prospero, a captivating blend of Southern-inspired locations—from flooded landscapes and murky swamps to the majestic Appalachian mountains.
The story begins amidst a hurricane's fury, with protagonist Hazel and her mother preparing for the storm. A disagreement leads Hazel to leave home, only to witness its destruction by the raging flood. Her desperate search for her mother unveils a hidden truth—Hazel's connection to a fantastical world teeming with creatures straight out of Southern folklore.
A chance encounter with Catfish, a colossal—and surprisingly chatty—creature, reveals Hazel's destiny as a Weaver, a being with magical abilities to perceive and manipulate the threads connecting all things. This power allows Hazel to see the tapestry of fate itself.
However, danger lurks in the form of Haints—corrupted creatures spreading decay. Hazel must master her Weaving powers to cleanse them of their corruption and restore balance to the world.
Embark on Hazel's journey through the American Deep South starting April 3, 2025, with the Premium Edition ($49.99 on Steam and Xbox Store). The standard edition is available for $39.99, and Game Pass subscribers can play on day one.
Gameplay: Threads and Weaving
South of Midnight introduces a unique gameplay mechanic centered around threads—the very connections that weave the tapestry of fate. Hazel's magical art, Weaving, is key to both combat and exploration. In combat, she'll unlock spells and abilities to confront various Haints.
Game director Jasmin Roy highlighted the core combat loop at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025: "Push, Pull, and Weave are some of your spells, offering tactical advantages. Timing is crucial. Pull enemies closer for melee combos, push them back to interrupt attacks, then follow up with devastating strikes."
Hazel's arsenal includes a spindle, weaving hooks, and a distaff, tools inspired by traditional textile crafting. These provide diverse combat options and abilities to purify the Haints.
Weaving also plays a crucial role in exploration. Hazel uses her powers to conjure "past incarnations of objects," solving puzzles and uncovering hidden paths. The Direct showcased her summoning a spectral carriage and a glider.
Hazel's quest to save her mother takes her across diverse locations, each with a unique atmosphere and mythical creature—each with its own Southern Gothic history, according to art director Whitney Clayton. Two-Toed Tom, a gigantic albino alligator adorned with weapons and vegetation, was highlighted in the Direct.
Hazel must gather Echoes, fragments of haunted memories, to heal these corrupted beings. However, epic confrontations are inevitable before she can ultimately purify them.
Hazel's journey is one of exploration, healing, and ultimately, reuniting with her mother, all powered by her unique Weaving abilities.
