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

Dive into the mystical world of *South of Midnight*, a captivating action-adventure game unveiled at Xbox Developer Direct 2025. Inspired by the rich tapestry of Deep South folktales, this game promises a unique blend of narrative and gameplay that will enchant players.

Compulsion Games Invites You to South of Midnight

South of Midnight Narrative and Release Date

In an exciting reveal on Xbox Wire, Compulsion Games' writer and narrative designer Zaire Lanier shared insights into the storyline of South of Midnight, along with its eagerly anticipated release date of April 8, 2025. The game is set in the enchanting town of Prospero, a fictional locale that draws inspiration from various Southern settings, including flooded countrysides, abysmal swamps, and the majestic Appalachian mountains.

The story kicks off with protagonist Hazel and her mother preparing for a hurricane. Amidst a heated argument, Hazel storms out, only to witness her home being swept away by a devastating flood. Driven by the need to find her lost mother, Hazel embarks on a journey that unveils her true heritage, leading her into a fantastical realm teeming with creatures straight out of Southern folklore.

Lanier described a pivotal moment when Hazel encounters Catfish, a massive and articulate creature trapped in a tree after the hurricane. Catfish reveals to Hazel that she is a Weaver, endowed with the ability to see and manipulate the threads that weave the fabric of destiny.

As Hazel navigates this enchanted world, she confronts Haints, malevolent beings that corrupt their surroundings. Her mission is to harness her Weaving powers to purify these creatures and restore the natural order.

Embark on Hazel’s adventure through the American Deep South starting April 3, 2025, by purchasing the Premium Edition for $49.99 on Steam or the Xbox Store. The standard edition is available for $39.99, and Game Pass subscribers can access the game on day one.

Gameplay Involves Threads and Weaving

South of Midnight introduces an innovative gameplay mechanic centered around threads and the mystical art of Weaving. Hazel’s combat abilities evolve as she unlocks spells and confronts various types of Haints.

During the Xbox Developer_Direct 2025, game director Jasmin Roy detailed the game's core combat mechanics. "Push, Pull, and Weave are key spells that provide tactical advantages in battle. Timing is crucial. Pull enemies close to initiate melee combos, push them away to interrupt and stun their attacks, and then capitalize with follow-up strikes."

Hazel wields a spindle, weaving hooks, and a distaff, drawing inspiration from traditional textile crafting and spinning wheels. These tools offer diverse combat options, allowing players to combat Haints in unique ways and cleanse them of corruption.

Weaving extends beyond combat into exploration. Hazel uses her magical abilities to manipulate threads, conjuring past incarnations of objects to solve puzzles and navigate the environment. Examples shown during the Direct include summoning a ghostly carriage and a glider.

Hazel's quest to rescue her mother will lead her through diverse regions, each with its own distinctive theme and environment. Art director Whitney Clayton highlighted that each area is governed by a mythical creature with a unique Southern Gothic backstory. One such creature, Two-Toed Tom, an enormous albino alligator adorned with weapons and vegetation, was showcased during the event.

To heal these corrupted beings, Hazel must collect Echoes—fragments of haunted memories. These encounters often culminate in epic confrontations, after which Hazel uses her Weaving powers to restore the creatures to their uncorrupted state.

As Hazel explores multiple areas and battles mythical creatures, her ultimate goal remains clear: to free these beings from corruption and reunite with her mother.