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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →South of Midnight launched on April 8, 2025, taking players into a Southern Gothic fantasy as Hazel searches for her mother using magical Weaving powers. The third-person action-adventure blends combat, traversal and puzzles with folklore-inspired creatures and a soundtrack that responds to play.
What is South of Midnight about?
Developed by Compulsion Games and published by Xbox Game Studios, South of Midnight is a story-led action-adventure set in a fantastical version of the American Deep South. After a hurricane devastates the fictional town of Prospero, Hazel is separated from her mother. She discovers she is a Weaver and sets out to find her, while facing supernatural threats and uncovering her family history. Xbox describes family and healing as central themes in its launch announcement.
Prospero is a fictional composite, not a depiction of one specific Southern town. Its surroundings draw on flooded countryside, swamps and Appalachian mountains. Compulsion calls the story a dark modern folktale; its folklore is an imaginative adaptation rather than a definitive account of regional traditions.
How do Hazel’s powers shape the gameplay?
Weaving magic connects the game’s combat, exploration and puzzles. Hazel can use it to confront Haints and other creatures, clear barriers, restore corrupted areas and navigate obstacles. Her abilities open up as the story progresses, according to the official game page and FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
![South of Midnight: Premium Edition - Xbox Series X|S [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lVJzCyLYL._SL160_.jpg)
- Immerse yourself in the macabre world of South of Midnight with the Premium Edition, featuring the full game and digital access (English only) to the Artbook, Music Video: Songs&Tales, and Documentary: Weaving Hazel’s Journey – Director’s Cut."
- From the creators of Contrast and We Happy Few, South of Midnight is a spellbinding third-person action-adventure game set in the American Deep South.
- As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and encounter creatures of Southern folklore in a macabre and fantastical world.
- When a hurricane rips through Prospero, Hazel is pulled into a Southern Gothic world of memory-made-real and must embark on a journey to rescue her mother and safeguard her hometown.
- Wield an ancient power to restore creatures and uncover the traumas that consume them.
Combat and exploration
At launch, Xbox described three combat spells: Push, Pull and Weave. Pull brings distant enemies closer; Push can interrupt or stun an attack, creating an opening for follow-up strikes. The same magical premise extends beyond combat into traversal and problem-solving, rather than treating those as separate systems.
Folklore-inspired creatures
The game draws on figures including Two-Toed Tom, Huggin’ Molly, Rougarou, Altamaha-ha and the Honey Island Swamp Monster, alongside original creations. In Xbox’s fictional adaptation, Huggin’ Molly is a monstrous woman-spider and Two-Toed Tom a giant blind albino alligator. These are descriptions of the game’s versions of the creatures.
Rank #2
![South of Midnight: Standard Edition - Xbox Series X|S [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ymOISMCrL._SL160_.jpg)
- From the creators of Contrast and We Happy Few, South of Midnight is a spellbinding third-person action-adventure game set in the American Deep South.
- As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and encounter creatures of Southern folklore in a macabre and fantastical world.
- When a hurricane rips through Prospero, Hazel is pulled into a Southern Gothic world of memory-made-real and must embark on a journey to rescue her mother and safeguard her hometown.
- Wield an ancient power to restore creatures and uncover the traumas that consume them.
- Discover the lush, decayed county of Prospero and its locals. Experience a crafted visual style, touching storytelling, and immersive music inspired by the complex and rich history of the South.
When did South of Midnight launch, and where was it available?
The original release was April 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Premium Edition early access began April 3, 2025, also at 9:00 a.m. PT, according to the Xbox release announcement and Compulsion’s FAQ.
The launch-era platforms and access options are listed below. This is not confirmation of the complete platform lineup, subscription catalog or regional availability in October 2026; check current platform stores and subscription catalogs for your location.
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Rank #3
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| Launch-era option | What was announced |
|---|---|
| Xbox consoles | Xbox Series X|S |
| Windows PC | Xbox app for Windows PC and Steam |
| Cloud and streaming | Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Boosteroid were listed by Compulsion |
| Subscription | Day-one availability with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass was announced at launch |
| Cross-entitlements and saves | Xbox Play Anywhere support was announced, including cross-saves |
Compulsion marked the game Steam Deck Verified and published a pre-launch performance description. Those are developer statements, not independent performance testing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What do the Standard and Premium editions include?
Compulsion’s edition details distinguish the two by early access and digital extras. Confirm current editions and regional store listings before buying, since launch-era details do not establish present availability.
Rank #4
- 16 family favorite arcade like mini-games including Darts, Hoop Shoot, Rootbeer Tapper, Table Hockey and more
- Utilizes the Microsoft Kinect sensor (sold separately and required for play) which uses the natural movements of your body as the controller
- Import your Xbox LIVE avatar for use in-game to represent you
- Multiplayer support including up to 16 players in Tournament Mode locally and online head-to-head play for 2 to 4 players
- Publish Xbox Achievements on your Facebook Wall and automatically notify Facebook friends when you are playing online so they can join the party
| Edition | Included content |
|---|---|
| Standard | Base game |
| Premium | Base game, up to five days of early access, digital artbook, original soundtrack, The Boo-Hag comic, a music video and the Weaving Hazel’s Journey director’s-cut documentary |
How long is a playthrough?
Compulsion says it aimed for a 10–12-hour playthrough. That is the developer’s intended length, not a measured completion-time statistic; individual playtimes can differ.
What makes the soundtrack distinctive?
Composer Olivier Deriviere created a score drawing on Southern musical styles and regional performers. Xbox Wire’s March 20, 2025 interview describes melodies, lyrics and full songs tied to levels, creatures and player actions. Lyrics also help tell the creatures’ stories. Deriviere summarized the interactive approach: “This game is singing with the player.”
Xbox Wire reported that the soundtrack was on services including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Bandcamp when the interview was published. That dated report does not establish current availability; check the service you use.
Is there a physical collector’s set?
Xbox Wire described The Art and Music of South of Midnight, a physical box set developed with Dutch design house and publisher Cook and Becker. The described set includes a two-LP vinyl soundtrack, a 160-page art book, a comic book and additional materials. The announcement establishes what the set was described to contain, not whether it is currently in stock or what it costs. It also does not establish a physical edition of the game itself.
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