South of Midnight is the latest innovative third-person action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games, known for their previous titles like Contrast (2013) and We Happy Few (2018). Players take on the role of Hazel, a gifted weaver who wields supernatural powers to combat fearsome mythical creatures while navigating a gothic reinterpretation of Southern America. Mastering her weaving abilities is vital for progressing effectively through this unique gaming experience.
This guide presents five essential tips for newcomers looking to enhance their gameplay in South of Midnight.
Five Essential Tips for New Players of South of Midnight
1. Thoroughly Explore the Game World
Unlike many contemporary AAA titles that feature sprawling, often overwhelming worlds, South of Midnight adopts a more linear approach. However, this does not diminish the richness of its level design. Players will discover an array of intriguing detours that diverge from the main path, allowing for exciting discoveries.
Each level presents a wide expanse of explorable terrain, and venturing off the beaten track can lead to valuable rewards, including Floofs (upgrade materials), Life Filaments (which permanently boost your health), and various collectibles. Hazel’s unique Weaver spells enable her to reach challenging locations, inviting players to experiment with different platforming techniques—just be wary of water, as Hazel cannot swim!
2. Master Dodging and Counterattacking
As players embark on their adventure, they will encounter numerous mythical adversaries from South American folklore, such as Huggin’ Molly and Two-Toed Tom. These formidable foes can inflict significant damage, making effective dodging crucial for survival.
Hazel compensates for her lack of a traditional shield with a powerful dodge ability that includes multiple invincibility frames (I-frames). A well-timed dodge not only allows players to evade attacks but can also unleash a shockwave that damages and staggers nearby enemies, presenting a prime opportunity for counterattacks.
3. Use Spells to Control the Battlefield
Given the high-stakes nature of encounters against dangerous foes, players will often face scenarios where enemies, particularly bosses, try to close in quickly. In such moments, leveraging Hazel’s diverse array of spells becomes essential.
Players can employ a combination of push-and-pull spells to manipulate enemy positions strategically, allowing for follow-up hits while simultaneously staggering opponents. Mastering spell usage is not just beneficial; it’s a key tactical component to navigating combat effectively.
4. Actively Pursue Floofs
Floofs serve as the primary currency for enhancing your abilities and upgrading your magical Weaver skills. As players progress, it’s crucial to make informed decisions on which spells to unlock and improve using Floofs.
Diligently exploring each level will result in discovering hidden Floofs, which can expedite stat enhancements. Pay close attention to animals that scurry away upon spotting you; they often lead to points of interest containing valuable Floofs. Additionally, collecting Floofs can occur by unraveling Stigma and dispelling its corruption.
5. Know When to Heal
The healing system in South of Midnight stands apart from other action titles like Dark Souls or Devil May Cry. Instead of traditional healing potions, players will find glowing green health orbs available during battles, with two provided during boss encounters.
While it may be tempting to use these immediately after sustaining damage, a more strategic approach is necessary. It’s often wiser to reserve health orbs for situations when your health is critically low, ensuring longevity in combat. Additionally, players can benefit from self-healing while unraveling enemies, increasing the importance of resource management.
- Explore thoroughly to uncover hidden treasures.
- Practice your dodging for effective combat evasion.
- Strategically utilize spells to control enemy positions.
- Chase animals to discover hidden Floofs for upgrades.
- Be strategic about when to use your health orbs.
By following these tips, players can maximize their experience in the enchanting yet challenging world of South of Midnight.