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

Discover the enchanting world of South of Midnight, the new action-adventure game from Compulsion Games, unveiled at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. Dive into this game inspired by the rich tapestry of Deep South folktales!

Compulsion Games Invites You to South of Midnight

South of Midnight Narrative and Release Date

Compulsion Games' narrative designer, Zaire Lanier, shared exciting details about the narrative of South of Midnight in a recent Xbox Wire article, including the game's release date: April 8, 2025. Set in the fictional town of Prospero, the game weaves together various Southern-inspired locales, from flooded countrysides to abysmal swamps and the majestic Appalachian mountains.

The story kicks off with Hazel and her mother preparing for an impending hurricane. After a heated argument, Hazel storms out, only to witness her home being swept away by a devastating flood. This tragedy sets Hazel on a quest to find her lost mother, leading her into a fantastical realm where Southern folktales come to life.

"Hazel's journey introduces her to the incredible Catfish, a massive talking creature trapped in a tree after the hurricane," Lanier explained. "Catfish reveals to Hazel that she is a Weaver, endowed with magical powers to see and manipulate the threads that form the fabric of fate."

As Hazel learns to harness her Weaving abilities, she confronts the Haints—corrupted creatures that spread decay. Her mission is to cleanse them of their corruption and restore the world around her.

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

Gameplay Involves Threads and Weaving

South of Midnight introduces a unique gameplay mechanic centered around threads and Weaving. These threads represent the interconnected fates of all things, and Hazel's Weaving skills allow her to manipulate them in combat and exploration.

During the Xbox Developer_Direct 2025, game director Jasmin Roy elaborated on the core combat mechanics. "Hazel can use spells like Push, Pull, and Weave to gain a tactical edge in battles," Roy stated. "Timing is crucial; pull enemies close for melee attacks, push them away to interrupt and stun them, then capitalize with follow-up strikes."

Hazel's arsenal includes a spindle, weaving hooks, and a distaff, all inspired by traditional textile crafting tools. These tools enable a diverse range of moves and abilities to combat the Haints and alleviate their corruption.

Weaving also plays a pivotal role in exploration. Hazel can conjure "past incarnations of objects" to navigate and solve puzzles. In one demonstration, she conjured a ghostly carriage and a glider to aid her journey.

Hazel's quest to reunite with her mother will take her through various regions, each with its own unique environment and theme. Art director Whitney Clayton noted that each area is ruled by a "mythical creature with its own Southern Gothic history." One such creature, Two-Toed Tom, is a colossal albino alligator adorned with weapons and overgrown vegetation.

To heal these corrupted creatures, Hazel must collect Echoes, fragments of haunted memories. This leads to intense confrontations before she can restore them to their former state.

As Hazel explores the diverse landscapes and battles the corrupted mythical creatures, her Weaving powers will be essential in freeing these beings from their affliction and ultimately finding her mother.