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

Dive into the enchanting world of South of Midnight, a new action-adventure game inspired by the rich tapestry of Deep South folktales, as revealed at Xbox Developer Direct 2025. Read on to uncover more about this mesmerizing title from Compulsion Games!

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 South of Midnight in a recent Xbox Wire article. The game, set to release on April 8, 2025, transports players to the mystical town of Prospero, a place where "a composite number of Southern-inspired locations - from flooded countrysides, abysmal swamps, and Appalachian mountains" come to life.

The story begins with our protagonist, Hazel, and her mother preparing for an impending hurricane. A heated argument leads Hazel to storm out, only to witness her home being swept away by floodwaters. Driven by the need to find her lost mother, Hazel embarks on a quest that unveils her true heritage, plunging her into a realm brimming with creatures straight out of Southern folklore.

As Hazel explores Prospero, she encounters the colossal and charismatic Catfish, trapped in a tree after the hurricane. Catfish reveals to Hazel her unique identity as a Weaver, someone with the magical ability to see and manipulate the threads that weave the fabric of destiny.

Hazel's journey is fraught with challenges, particularly from the Haints, corrupted beings that spread decay. To combat these foes and restore balance, Hazel must harness her Weaving powers.

Mark your calendars for April 3, 2025, to embark on Hazel's adventure early by purchasing the Premium Edition for $49.99 on Steam or the Xbox Store. The base game will be available for $39.99, and Game Pass subscribers can play on day one.

Gameplay Involves Threads and Weaving

South of Midnight introduces innovative gameplay mechanics centered around threads and the art of Weaving. Hazel's combat arsenal includes spells and abilities unlocked as she battles various Haints.

During the Xbox Developer Direct 2025, game director Jasmin Roy detailed the game's dynamic combat system. "Push, Pull, and Weave are some of the spells at your disposal that give you a tactical advantage during a fight. Timing is everything. Pull distant enemies close to start melee combos, push them back to interrupt and stun their attack, then press the advantage with follow-up strikes."

Hazel wields a spindle, two weaving hooks, and a distaff, drawing inspiration from traditional textile crafting. This unique weaponry allows for diverse movesets and abilities, enabling Hazel to purify the Haints from their corruption.

Beyond combat, Weaving serves as a key element in exploration. By manipulating threads, Hazel can conjure past incarnations of objects to solve puzzles and navigate the environment. Examples from the Direct included summoning a ghostly carriage and a glider.

As Hazel ventures through varied landscapes, each region introduces a mythical creature steeped in Southern Gothic lore. Art director Whitney Clayton highlighted one such creature, Two-Toed Tom, a massive albino alligator adorned with weapons and overgrown flora.

To heal these corrupted beings, Hazel must collect Echoes, fragments of haunted memories. This leads to epic confrontations where Hazel must first subdue and then heal these mythical creatures using her Weaving skills.

Embark on a thrilling journey with Hazel as she explores the depths of the American Deep South, battles corrupted creatures, and seeks to reunite with her mother, all while mastering the ancient art of Weaving.