Locations of all notes in South of Midnight

Complete guide to finding all 79 collectible notes in South of Midnight with strategic tips and organization

Introduction to Note Collection

There are total 13 chapters in South of Midnight (Image via Xbox Game Studios)
There are 13 chapters in South of Midnight (Image via Xbox Game Studios)

Collecting every handwritten note in South of Midnight provides crucial insights into Hazel’s emotional journey and the game’s rich southern gothic mythology. These scattered documents reveal hidden character motivations, expand the game’s folklore, and often provide practical clues for progression. Missing these narrative fragments means losing essential context about the relationships between Hazel, her family, and the supernatural forces haunting the bayou.

Successful note collection requires systematic exploration rather than random searching. The game’s non-linear environments and hidden pathways mean many players complete their first playthrough with less than 60% of available lore documents. This guide addresses the most common collection challenges while providing strategic approaches to maximize your discoveries without spoiling the organic exploration experience.

Chapter-by-Chapter Note Locations

Early Chapters (1-4) – Foundational Lore

The opening chapters establish core characters and relationships through personal documents. Bunny’s notes are particularly important for understanding Hazel’s family dynamics.

  • Bunny’s Note to Lily – Located on the desk near the bookshelf immediately after waking. This establishes the central family conflict.
  • Bunny’s Desk Entry – Found on the office desk accessible via the balcony. Reveals early concerns about supernatural events.
  • Bunny’s Lounge Chair Entry – Personal reflection found on the chair in Bunny’s office space.

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  • The Weaver’s Call – First introduction to game mythology, located on wall art in the initial riverside house.
  • Spirits, Speak to Me! – Early ritual documentation found on barn second floor, barrel left of exit.
  • Please speak to me.. – Desperate plea hidden on left path outside barn after cutting brambles.
  • Stigma and Sorrow – Important lore on cave wall immediately after entering the first cavern.
  • The Happiest Day – Ironic title found during platforming after double jump tutorial.

Mid-Game Chapters (5-8) – Expanding Mythology

These chapters introduce broader community perspectives and deeper supernatural elements.

  • The St. Sylvain Bulletin – Community notice posted beside Rhubarb’s front door.
  • Follow the Lights – Navigation advice on post near the boat behind Rhubarb’s house.
  • Ain’t Wanted Here – Hostile message on side table inside two-story house after first bramble set.
  • A Gift for Corrine – Personal correspondence on chair at back of Weavable stairs house.
  • Beggin’ your pardon, Mayor. – Political tension documented on table inside large house with rooftop Stigma.
  • Come One, Come All! – Community event notice on second floor post of same house.
  • Grocery List – Mundane but world-building note on barrel near dock.
  • Lay Off Buddy – Personal conflict revealed on bed inside house near Grocery List.

Late Game Chapters (9-13) – Resolution and Revelation

The final chapters contain crucial revelations about character fates and story resolution.

  • Burrower’s – Lord’s Day – Religious context inside tree at cemetery plot near church.
  • Burrower’s – Pieces of the Self – Philosophical note near first Crouton hole.
  • Statue Flyer – Community art notice on fence post outside combat arena.
  • Burrower’s – Iron – Supernatural weakness documentation on box near Jolene’s church.
  • Hollow Dreamers – Character study on couch across water from church.
  • Kids Need a Hand – Community concern in house opened after first Slug Haint fight.
  • Jo’s Penance – Redemption arc document in upstairs bedroom.
  • Yard Sale Notice – Economic context by front door beyond tower haybales.

… [content continues with remaining notes organized by chapter progression] …

The complete collection includes notes from all environments: Burrower’s – Feline Intuition in hollowed trees, Molly Gives A Fight on picnic tables, factory documents like Mandatory Overtime, and emotional conclusions like Eternally She Waits in the final production stage.

Advanced Collection Strategies

Successfully collecting all 79 notes requires more than thorough exploration—it demands strategic thinking about the game’s spatial design and narrative pacing.

Efficient Route Planning

The game’s chapter structure allows for strategic backtracking. Focus on collecting obvious notes during initial progression, then return with later-game abilities to access previously unreachable documents. Notes like Abernathy’s Lament on the barn roof require cart mechanics learned in Chapter 6, while The Babblin’ Boy in the blocked cave needs abilities from Chapter 8.

Common Missed Locations

Several note types consistently escape players’ attention:

  • Vertical Space Notes – Documents placed above eye level like Abernathy’s Lament on rooftops
  • Post-Combat Notes – Easy to miss during adrenaline-filled moments after battles
  • Backtrack-Required Notes – Documents only accessible after obtaining late-game abilities
  • Environmental Camouflage – Notes that blend with backgrounds like Burrower’s series in trees

Backtracking Efficiency

Plan your backtracking sessions around ability acquisition milestones. The double jump, bramble cutting, and ghost platform abilities each open up previously inaccessible note locations. Create a mental checklist of areas to revisit after major ability unlocks rather than constant retracing of steps.

Lore and Story Significance

The collected notes form a parallel narrative that deepens understanding of the main storyline. Rather than optional content, these documents provide essential context for character motivations and historical events.

Key Story Notes

Certain notes contain critical plot information that enhances main story comprehension:

  • Bunny’s Journal – On Weavers – Explains the supernatural framework of the game’s mythology
  • Missing Children List – Reveals the scale of the central mystery
  • Sutter’s Will and Testament – Provides resolution to secondary character arcs
  • Captain’s Log – Details historical context for current events

Character Development

Notes like Why Not Me? and Decision Of Transfer provide intimate glimpses into character psyciences that aren’t revealed through direct storytelling. The Burrower’s series documents offer philosophical counterpoints to Hazel’s practical approach to problem-solving.

South of Midnight is currently playable on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Cloud, Steam, and Game Pass platforms.

Additional Resource: South of Midnight: Complete list of achievements and trophies

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