Experience the Enchanting World of South of Midnight: A Deep South Folktale Adventure
Announced at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games transports players to a captivating world inspired by Deep South folklore. Discover its release date and unique gameplay mechanics below.
Narrative and Release Date: A Journey Through Prospero
Launching April 8th, 2025, South of Midnight unfolds in the mysterious town of Prospero, a vibrant tapestry of Southern landscapes, from flooded lowlands to imposing Appalachian peaks. The story follows Hazel, whose search for her mother after a devastating hurricane unveils a hidden world of fantastical creatures from Southern myths.
Hazel's journey begins with loss and leads to self-discovery as she encounters Catfish, a colossal talking creature, who reveals her destiny as a Weaver – a wielder of magical powers capable of manipulating the threads of fate. These threads, visible to Hazel, represent the interconnectedness of the universe.
Gameplay: Weaving Magic and Combat
South of Midnight's core gameplay revolves around the art of Weaving. Hazel utilizes a spindle, weaving hooks, and a distaff – tools inspired by traditional textile crafting – as her primary weapons. Combat involves strategic use of "Push," "Pull," and "Weave" spells to outmaneuver and subdue corrupted creatures known as Haints.
Beyond combat, Weaving serves as a crucial tool for exploration and puzzle-solving. Hazel can conjure past forms of objects, such as a spectral carriage or glider, to navigate her environment.
Exploring Prospero and its Mythical Inhabitants
Prospero is a land of diverse regions, each ruled by a unique mythical creature steeped in Southern Gothic lore. Players will encounter formidable beings like Two-Toed Tom, a massive albino alligator, in epic confrontations. Hazel must collect Echoes – fragments of haunted memories – to heal these corrupted creatures and restore balance to the world.
Embark on Hazel's extraordinary adventure, available April 3rd, 2025, with the Premium Edition ($49.99), or April 8th, 2025, with the Standard Edition ($39.99) on Steam and the Xbox Store. Game Pass subscribers can also enjoy day-one access.