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

Dive into a captivating action-adventure game inspired by Deep South folktales!

Compulsion Games Presents: South of Midnight

South of Midnight: Story and Release Date

Compulsion Games' narrative designer, Zaire Lanier, recently revealed exciting details about South of Midnight, including its release date: April 8th, 2025. The game unfolds in the fictional town of Prospero, a vibrant blend of Southern-inspired locations—from flooded landscapes and murky swamps to the majestic Appalachian mountains.

The story begins amidst a hurricane, with Hazel and her mother preparing for the storm. A disagreement leads Hazel to leave their home, only to witness its destruction by the raging flood. Her quest to find her missing mother unexpectedly unveils her true heritage, thrusting her into a fantastical world teeming with creatures straight out of Southern folklore.

Lanier explains, "Hazel encounters fantastical phenomena, including Catfish, a colossal—and surprisingly chatty—creature trapped in a tree after the hurricane. Catfish reveals Hazel's destiny as a Weaver, a being with magical abilities to perceive and manipulate the threads connecting all fates."

Hazel's ability to see and weave these threads allows her to interact with the world in extraordinary ways. However, danger lurks in the form of Haints—corrupted creatures spreading decay. Hazel must master her Weaving powers to purify them and restore balance to Prospero.

Embark on Hazel's journey through the American Deep South starting April 3rd, 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, Weaving, and Combat

South of Midnight introduces the innovative concept of "Weaving," using threads representing the interconnectedness of fate. In combat, Hazel utilizes her Weaving abilities, unlocking spells and powers as she confronts various Haints.

Game director Jasmin Roy describes the core combat loop at Xbox Developer Direct 2025: "Push, Pull, and Weave are key 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, ultimately freeing the Haints from their corruption.

Weaving isn't limited to combat; it's also key to exploration. Hazel uses her powers to conjure "past incarnations of objects," solving puzzles and accessing new areas. The Direct showcased her conjuring a spectral carriage and a glider.

Hazel's journey takes her across diverse regions, each with unique environments and themes, ruled by mythical creatures steeped in Southern Gothic lore. Art director Whitney Clayton highlights Two-Toed Tom, a gigantic albino alligator, as one such formidable guardian.

Hazel collects Echoes—fragments of haunted memories—to heal these corrupted creatures. However, epic confrontations are unavoidable before she can ultimately purify them.

Hazel's quest to save her mother will lead her through a captivating world, requiring her to master her Weaving powers, overcome challenging encounters, and ultimately unravel the mysteries of Prospero.