Navigating the Enigmatic World of South of Midnight: 6 Essential Survival Tips

South of Midnight is opening its doors to players on April 8, but if you’re eager to jump in right now, the Premium Edition lets you do just that. Whether you’re on Xbox Series X|S, using the Xbox app on a Windows PC, streaming through Steam, or lounging in the cloud, this game is ready and waiting. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, you can seamlessly switch between Xbox, PC, or cloud gaming, without losing a beat in your progress.

Diving into South of Midnight transports you into a shadowy, magical land, steeped in the lore of the American South. Don’t let the fairy tale aesthetic fool you—this game spins stories and serves challenges that are anything but straightforward.

The tale revolves around Hazel, a young protagonist who inherits the ability to Weave magic after her mother is mysteriously lost in a supernatural flood. As Hazel, you’ll traverse an altered version of the southern landscape, in search of not just her mother, but answers to her haunting questions. Battling against the Haints, manifestations of the world’s grief, and healing Mythical Creatures drawn from real folklore, you have a journey that’s as gripping as it is enigmatic.

For those who get the Premium Edition, you can start playing today, well before the public release on April 8. To get you prepped for this adventure, here are some tips on how to explore and combat like a pro:

### Explore Every Nook and Cranny

Navigating South of Midnight is not as simple as just following the Guiding Strand’s magical threads. Beyond your main objectives lies a world full of hidden treasures. Some spots require a bit of clever platforming or spell-casting to access, and others might have you facing battles you wouldn’t find otherwise. Keep those eyes peeled—they’re your ticket to discovery.

Finding all these nooks and crannies rewards you with Floofs, the game’s currency for upgrades. Take the time to seek them out and you’ll find yourself advancing through the skill tree at a gratifying pace. And don’t miss out on Life Filaments—these rare finds enhance your health bar permanently!

### Dive Deeper Into the Narrative

Stories are at the heart of South of Midnight, from Hazel’s quest to rescue her mother to the deeper lore behind the Mythical Creatures you’ll encounter. For those intrigued by backstory, each chapter includes items and notes that add rich detail to the world. These hidden gems provide insight into character motivations, further enriching your journey.

### Prioritize Upgrading

Exploring will give you an edge in combat, as it allows you to upgrade frequently. You’ll find these updates invaluable when battles intensify. Even the simplest enemies here can take away big chunks of your health with a single hit. The less obvious but more powerful upgrades can deeply enhance your combat effectiveness, introducing area-of-effect abilities or nifty double-dodge moves that are crucial in high-stakes encounters.

### Dodging: Your Best Friend

Don’t count on blocking to save you; Hazel shines in dodging. Perfectly timed dodges aren’t just evasive—they can blast nearby foes with energy, effectively damaging and staggering them. Mastering this will turn dodging into a robust offensive strategy.

### Utilizing Spells Smartly

Spells in South of Midnight aren’t just about firepower—they’re strategic tools. Reserve spells for interrupting enemy attacks. Timing is key; saving a spell to halt an enemy in their tracks can flip the combat dynamic in your favor.

### A Masterclass in Spell-Chaining

With a bit of practice—and a few upgrades—some of the toughest enemies will fall to a well-chained spell combo. Start by pulling an enemy closer, weaving them to increase damage susceptibility, and finishing with a forceful push. This strategic flow can bring down foes that once seemed formidable with surprising ease.

Starting your adventure is just the beginning. Whether you access the game through Game Pass or opt for the Premium Edition to play right away, South of Midnight promises an enthralling, story-rich experience. Dive into its unique world now, and immerse yourself in this modern-day southern gothic folktale. And if you’re ready to fully embrace this dark, captivating narrative, the Premium Edition offers extras like an artbook, soundtrack, and more, adding layers to your exploration of Hazel’s world.