In South of Midnight, although the skill tree is not extensive, certain upgrades provide significant advantages during combat. These enhancements can be the crucial factor between surviving a fierce battle against Haints or formidable bosses and succumbing to defeat.
This guide aims to identify the most impactful upgrades worth unlocking early on for players just starting their journey in South of Midnight.
Given the game’s linear skill progression, this ranking focuses solely on the utility of each ability, irrespective of the unlock order.
7 Amplified Rend
Harness Long-Range Attacks
The Amplified Rend upgrade enhances the first ranged attack you acquire in the game, making the charged attack genuinely beneficial. However, beware: using this ability can signal nearby Haints of your vulnerability, especially when surrounded.
In higher difficulty settings, taking damage is a luxury you cannot afford, as even standard enemies can inflict substantial harm. An effective use of this skill I experienced was during the boss battle against Two-Toed Tom and Huggin Molly, where I took advantage of the distance after stunning them, allowing me to target their weak points safely.
Moreover, defeating enemies using this ability unlocks the “Going The Distance” achievement.
6 Weave Of Life
Embrace the Power of Healing
The Weave of Life ability became my lifeline during intense encounters when my health dropped dangerously low. In fact, I resorted to the Aerial Rend skill exclusively for the healing boost after deploying the Weave of Life.
5 Close The Loop
Maximize Efficiency with Damage and Mobility
The pivotal Close The Loop passive ability stands out as one of the most advantageous upgrades available. It empowers players to weave Haints temporarily while executing Strand Blasts.
This skill not only facilitates dodging attacks but also allows dealing with surrounding enemies after finishing off a foe, effectively managing multiple threats simultaneously.Close The Loop is a must-have upgrade and should be prioritized as soon as sufficient Floof is available.
4 Fettered Rend
Pull Enemies Closer with Style
Fettered Rend is another beloved upgrade I often wielded during battles. Following a Strand Pull, this ability applies weave effects with your standard attacks. It effectively allows you to draw smaller enemies toward you and can even reposition you next to larger foes.
This upgrade proved most effective against Hurlers and Overseers, who tend to keep their distance. By diminishing their health before employing Fettered Rend, I could swiftly get into range to stun them and unleash a barrage of combos before they could retaliate.
3 Cleansing Rend
Unleash Devastating Area Damage
From the moment I unlocked the Cleansing Rend ability, it became indispensable in every encounter against Haints. This powerful area-of-effect (AOE) attack inflicts significant damage on all enemies within its radius.
Although it has a lengthy cooldown period, it compensates with unparalleled damage, often allowing players to eliminate weaker enemies in fewer hits, solidifying its status as the most damaging ability in South of Midnight.
2 All Crouton Upgrades
Enhance Your Adorable Ally
Your companion, Crouton, may be charming, but it is capable of quickly dispatching Haints with its abilities. After acquiring Crouton in chapter four, prioritize unlocking its three upgrades: Crouton Detonation, Crouton Surge, and Crouton Tangle.
Beyond combat, Crouton can assist in exploring rabbit holes for obtaining Floof and navigating into inaccessible areas that Hazel cannot reach.
1 Bob And Weave
Essential Double Dodging Maneuver
If I had to choose the most critical upgrade in South of Midnight, it would undoubtedly be the Bob And Weave.
This ability transforms dodging by allowing Hazel to evade attacks twice in rapid succession, rather than the standard single dodge every two seconds. Its importance became apparent during my playthrough on Grand Weaver difficulty, where strategic dodging was essential to survival.
Moreover, it facilitates evasive maneuvers during intense boss battles, enabling players to execute perfect dodges more consistently. This, in turn, promotes frequent utilization of the Close The Loop ability.
Prioritizing the Bob And Weave upgrade is essential for all players venturing into South of Midnight.
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