Chapter 5: Everything That Rises in South of Midnight is a substantial part of the main questline. This chapter features Hazel embarking on a thrilling adventure, starting with her riding an enormous catfish as she progresses toward her next target. Following an intense encounter with Two-Toed-Tom, players now face this formidable boss on his home turf. Expect a variety of collectibles dispersed throughout the chapter, along with challenging combat scenarios.
This guide will provide you with essential strategies and tips for navigating Chapter 5, ensuring you stay on track as the story unfolds.
Disclaimer: Major story spoilers are included beyond this point.
Initiating “Everything That Rises”in South of Midnight
As Chapter 5 begins, Hazel disembarks from the catfish into a new area, where she must utilize her grappling skills to navigate tight spaces. Stunning environmental design in South of Midnight features numerous narrow passages you’ll encounter throughout your journey.
After a brief cutscene, Hazel encounters Crouton, her beloved stuffed toy from the first chapter. However, Crouton is not merely a nostalgic object; it serves as the last magical item Hazel can possess.
Crouton’s unique abilities allow it to access tight areas that Hazel cannot reach. Initially, you’ll need to leverage Crouton’s skills to overcome obstacles by using it to unravel bramble blocking your path.
As you progress through the chapter, be on the lookout for hidden floofs only Crouton can uncover, providing ample opportunities for farming collectibles. If you’re uncertain of where to go next, consult your Guiding Strand for direction.
Watch out for environmental hazards that can impede your progress. After navigating through a main path, you’ll encounter a broken train car blocked by bramble. Utilize the Strand Push to create an opening for Crouton to untangle the barrier.
Upon clearing the path, you’ll spot a large accumulation of floofs on the left; a double jump and glide can help you reach them before returning to continue your story journey.
When you reach the waterlogged area, think creatively! You’ll need to throw Crouton across to facilitate your own crossing.
After making it across, switch back to Crouton to unravel the stigma blocking your path, allowing Hazel to proceed into a combat arena.
Defeat the enemies within, and Catfish will share more of Two-Toed-Tom’s backstory, adding depth to the narrative.
Making Your Way to the Church
Following your path through cleared bramble, you’ll notice more floof deposits glowing nearby, which may require some platforming finesse to reach. Eventually, you’ll find yourself at the church, where you’ll encounter Mrs. Pearle.
After a brief exchange, Jolene advises Hazel to stay put, but Hazel chooses to continue her quest independently.
Navigating the Flooded Village
The paths of the village are nearly submerged in water, testing your platforming skills. Utilize grappling points to navigate across the treacherous areas safely.
Upon reaching yet another combat arena, eliminate your foes to clear the way forward. After the skirmish, you’ll ascend to a ledge, engaging in a series of grapples and double jumps leading to a confrontation with a Slug Haint.
This foe is significantly more powerful, but with the right upgrades, Hazel will be well-equipped to handle it. Follow your path to uncover a house filled with clues and collectibles before proceeding.
While Chapter 5 is extensive, it remains linear. Collectibles like floofs can extend your playtime significantly, but if you’re focused solely on the story, you can navigate through quickly.
Reaching the Old Farm
Descend and enter the barn using your Strand Push ability. As you jump through the mud, you’ll hear a pig squealing.
Attempting to save the pig results in it being eaten by a massive alligator, but this unfortunate event opens up progression to the next area, which leads to yet another combat arena.
Following the battle, you’ll encounter one of the rare opportunities to explore optional areas for collectibles. Investigate the barn for a hidden floof before continuing to the next conflict zone. Clear the area of enemies and stigma to proceed.
Another cutscene unveils more about Jolene and Two-Toed-Tom’s past, providing narrative depth. Afterward, investigate the house across the way to uncover additional collectibles.
Advance to the Bottle Tree
Continue progressing toward the pig farm, initiating a segment of parkour through a metaphysical realm. After a cutscene, you’ll return to the physical world.
Arriving at the farmlands, direct your efforts towards the pig farm location, where Hazel’s trailer might have ended up. Use your Guiding Strand to navigate to the barn door, which is locked. Summon Crouton to break the wooden planks and activate the generator.
Once you’ve entered the pig farm, you’ll confront grim scenes of lifeless pigs stacked together. Continue moving forward, utilizing Crouton to create a clear path for Hazel. As she traverses, unravel the stigma blocking your way to locate your trailer home. Unfortunately, Two-Toed-Tom has already claimed it before you could uncover Lacey’s whereabouts.
The Final Showdown: Hazel vs. Two-Toed-Tom
The boss encounter with Two-Toed-Tom is divided into three intense phases. To start, time your strikes after ringing the bell to stun him, unveiling a weak spot for melee attacks. Be cautious when his health bar turns yellow, indicating temporary invincibility; he may retaliate with a tail whip and subsequently dive into the water.
Next, prepare for him to launch rocks your way, repeating the bell ringing strategy to continue inflicting damage. After reducing his health significantly, the second phase will commence, mirroring the first fight pattern.
Execute the same strategy until you arrive at the third and final phase, set in a new location. Unlike previous segments, you’ll need to hurl rocks toward the bell to achieve the necessary stuns since it lies farther away this time.
Upon overcoming Two-Toed-Tom, you’ll venture into his belly, unearthing clues that lead to Lacey.
Heal the gator’s wounds, and it will expel you at the site of your mobile home. A concluding cutscene features Lacey reminiscing about Hazel’s youth. Finally, Hazel sits outdoors, where Catfish makes an appearance, discussing Huggin’ Molly and bringing Chapter 5 of South of Midnight to a close.