While Hazel is fighting spirits in South of Midnight, she will have various abilities at her disposal. As you go through the game, you can upgrade these abilities with the Floofs you find – the only question is which abilities do you upgrade first? We’re here to help.
With just a bit of exploration, you should be able to get most (or maybe all) of the upgrades on offer, so you won’t miss out on anything Hazel can do. You will want to prioritise her best, most helpful upgrades though, and that’s what we’re here to help with. Gather up those Floofs and get ready to spend, spend spend.
Best Upgrades In South Of Midnight
Because upgrades are level gated and Floofs you need to buy them are easy to come across, you won’t need to worry too much about saving. However, there’s still a pattern to consider. Almost always, the General Tree is the best one to buy from. See below for the best order to buy upgrades on the same level.
After that, which tree you prioritise is most up to whichever one who you find works best for your approach. Combat is not complicated, so personal preference is a major factor. However, we suggest Weave is the best ability tree to upgrade first, as it’s less situational and works on every enemy, including most bosses. After that Crouton is the second best tree, except at the third stage when Strand Push is the second best. The rest of the time, Strand Push is third. We found that Strand Pull was less effective, but at the second stage it is better than Strand Push as it casts Weave automatically, not just if timed right.
Every General Upgrade In South Of Midnight And Which One To Buy
General upgrades offer extra abilties to Hazel’s normal attacks, as well as occasionally adding additional moves for her wheelhouse. Twice in the game, you’ll be choosing between two upgrades on the same branch of the tree, but you can still buy both upgrades. We’ll suggest which one might be better first here, as well as including a full description of them all.
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Name
Description
Rending Step
Dodge (B) then quickly press X to attack in the chosen direction
Aerial Rend
While in the air, press X to slam the ground, damaginf nearby enemies
Amplified Rend
Amplified Attack can be charged further, inflicting increased damage over a larger area of effect
Weaver’s Blitz
Unravel sets off a Strand Blast
Cleaning Rend
Hold Y to unleash Strands, damaging enemies in a wide area
Bob and Weave
Dodge (B) twice in quick succession
Close the Loop
Strand Blasts inflict increased damage across a wider area and Weave impacted enemies for a short time
Stigma Conversion
Unravel’s cooldown acceleration effect is improved
Purifying Rend
Cleansing Rend iinflicts damage across a wider area and Weaves impacted enemies for a short time.
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We recommend the Weaver’s Blitz over the Amplified Rend, as you often get swarmed and a Strand Blast you can trigger in these moments will be helpful. However, both are strong upgrades. We then suggest getting the Close the Loop upgrade ahead of the Stigma Conversion, because damage is more valuable than cooldown, especially as late-game several abilities come with instant cooldown perks. But again, both are solid options to pick up.
Every Ability Upgrade In South Of Midnight
As well as the General tree, there are four individual trees of three for the four abilities Hazel can unlock: Weave, Strand Push, Strand Pull, Crouton. Here’s what each of them offer.
|
Ability Tree |
Stage |
Name |
Description |
|
Weave |
1 |
Stigma Bane |
Weaved enemies take more damage from all sources |
|
Weave |
2 |
Weave of Life |
Damaging Weaved enemies with Rending Step, Amplified Attack, Amplified Rend, or Aerial Rend heals you slightly |
|
Weave |
3 |
Enduring Weave |
Weave lasts longer in combat |
|
Strand Push |
1 |
Scourged Push |
Strand Push inflicts damage |
|
Strand Push |
2 |
Immobilizing Push |
Cast Strand Push just before an attack hits to inflict Weave on the enemy |
|
Strand Push |
3 |
Refreshing Push |
Castinng Strand Push on multiple enemies at once resets its cooldown |
|
Strand Pull |
1 |
From Thread To Hook |
Tethered Strand (X after Strand Pull) inflicts increased damage to enemies |
|
Strand Pull |
2 |
Fettered Rend |
Tethered Strand (X after Strand Pull) inflicts Weave for a short time |
|
Strand Pull |
3 |
Vanquishing Rend |
If Tethered Strand (X after Strand Pull) is used to defeat an enemy, its cooldown resets |
|
Crouton |
1 |
Crouton Detonation |
When Crouton’s control ends, it sets off a Strand Blast |
|
Crouton |
2 |
Crouton Surge |
While Crouton is controlling an enemy, it deals increased damage |
|
Crouton |
3 |
Crouton Tangle |
While Crouton is controlling an enemy, it casts Weave on its first target |
South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure from the team behind We Happy Few. It takes you to the Deep South, where you’ll need to harness a supernatural power to uncover the area’s rich mythos.
- Released
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2025
- Developer(s)
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Compulsion Games