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 unveiled at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. Inspired by the rich tapestry of Deep South folktales, this game promises an immersive journey into a fantastical realm. Let's explore what Compulsion Games has in store for us!

Compulsion Games Invites You to South of Midnight

South of Midnight Narrative and Release Date

In an exciting Xbox Wire article, Compulsion Games' writer and narrative designer Zaire Lanier delved into the captivating story of South of Midnight. Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025, as this is when you'll embark on a journey set in the fictional town of Prospero. The game's setting is a blend of Southern-inspired locales, including flooded countrysides, abysmal swamps, and the majestic Appalachian mountains.

The story kicks off with 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 a devastating flood. Driven by the need to find her lost mother, Hazel's quest takes an unexpected turn when she uncovers her true heritage, thrusting her into a world brimming with creatures from Southern folklore.

"Hazel begins to see fantastical phenomena all over Prospero, including meeting Catfish, an enormous – and talking – creature in his own right, stuck in a tree following the hurricane’s destruction," Lanier explained. "Catfish tells Hazel she is a Weaver, someone who possesses magical powers and can see how our threads connect to form the woven tapestry of our fates."

With this revelation, Hazel gains the ability to see and manipulate the threads that bind the universe. However, her path is fraught with danger as she encounters Haints, corrupted creatures that spread decay. Hazel must harness her Weaving powers to purify these beings and restore the world around her.

Embark on Hazel's journey 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 dive in on day one.

Gameplay Involves Threads and Weaving

South of Midnight introduces an innovative gameplay mechanic centered around threads and the art of Weaving. These threads represent the connections that weave the tapestry of fate, and Hazel's magical abilities are key to both combat and exploration.

During the Xbox Developer_Direct 2025, game director Jasmin Roy detailed the game's core combat mechanics. "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's arsenal includes a spindle, two weaving hooks, and a distaff, inspired by traditional textile crafting tools. These weapons allow for a diverse range of moves and abilities, enabling players to combat Haints and cleanse them of corruption.

Weaving isn't just for combat; it plays a crucial role in exploration. Hazel uses her powers to manipulate threads, conjuring past incarnations of objects to solve puzzles and navigate the world. Examples shown in the Direct included summoning a ghostly carriage and a glider.

As Hazel journeys through various regions, each with its unique theme and environment, she encounters mythical creatures steeped in Southern Gothic lore. Art director Whitney Clayton highlighted one such creature, Two-Toed Tom, a colossal albino alligator adorned with weapons and overgrown vegetation.

To heal these corrupted beings, Hazel must collect Echoes, fragments of haunted memories. These confrontations lead to epic battles, after which Hazel can use her Weaving powers to restore the creatures to their former glory.

With a multitude of areas to explore and mythical beings to heal, Hazel's mission to find her mother is a thrilling adventure that combines rich storytelling with innovative gameplay. Get ready to weave your destiny in South of Midnight.