Phasmophobia is Kinetic Games' cooperative ghost hunting horror game where 1-4 players investigate haunted locations to identify ghost types using paranormal equipment. The game uses voice recognition — ghosts can hear you through your microphone, respond to questions, and hunt based on sound. With 24 ghost types each having unique behaviors and evidence, every investigation is a puzzle of observation and deduction while managing the terror of being hunted by an increasingly aggressive entity.
This guide covers everything you need: core mechanics, the best builds, equipment worth investing in, location progression, and the tips that actually make a difference.
Core Mechanics
ghost identification
Each of the 24 ghost types has 3 evidence types from a pool of 7 (EMF 5, Spirit Box, Fingerprints, Ghost Orbs, Writing, Freezing Temps, DOTS Projector). Gather evidence using equipment and cross-reference to identify the ghost. Higher difficulties hide evidence, requiring behavioral analysis.
sanity management
Your average sanity starts at 100% and decreases in darkness, during ghost events, and near the ghost. Below 50% sanity, hunts become frequent. Sanity pills restore 40% sanity. Lights in the building slow sanity drain. Managing when to take pills vs when to leave is critical.
equipment usage
Equipment includes EMF Reader (detects ghost activity), Spirit Box (voice communication with ghost), Thermometer (finds ghost room via cold spots), UV Light (reveals fingerprints), DOTS Projector (shows ghost silhouette), Video Camera (captures ghost orbs), Ghost Writing Book, and more.
difficulty scaling
Amateur gives all 3 evidence. Intermediate starts with lower sanity. Professional and Nightmare progressively hide evidence (Nightmare only shows 2 of 3), requiring behavioral identification. Higher difficulties also increase ghost aggression, hunt frequency, and reduce grace periods.
photo rewards
Taking photos of ghost activity, interactions, dirty water, voodoo dolls, and the ghost itself awards bonus money. The photo camera is essential for maximizing income. Each photo is graded 1-3 stars based on quality and subject.
Builds Overview
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | B | Standard investigation, use smudge sticks for extended safety windows. | Evidence gathering > smudge timing |
| Wraith | A | Place salt and check for lack of footprints to confirm Wraith. | Salt test > EMF monitoring > Spirit Box |
| Phantom | A | Photograph the ghost to temporarily banish it, avoid eye contact during hunts. | Photo evidence > Ghost Orb check > fingerprint scan |
| Poltergeist | B | Place items in ghost room, observe for multiple simultaneous throws. | Object interaction monitoring > evidence gathering |
| Banshee | S | Figure out who the Banshee targets, keep that player safe, collect evidence from the safer players. | Identify target player > protect that player > evidence |
Spirit (B-Tier): The default ghost type. Smudge sticks prevent hunting for 180 seconds (double the normal 90). Has no special strengths. Spirit Box, Fingerprints, and Ghost Writing are its evidence. The easiest ghost to identify and counter.
Wraith (A-Tier): Can teleport to random players regardless of distance. Doesn't leave UV footprints when stepping in salt. EMF 5, Spirit Box, and DOTS Projector evidence. Dangerous because it can appear anywhere without warning.
Phantom (A-Tier): Looking at the Phantom during a hunt drains sanity rapidly. Taking a photo makes it temporarily disappear (but hunt continues). Ghost Orbs, Fingerprints, and DOTS evidence. Less visible during hunts — flickers more.
Poltergeist (B-Tier): Can throw multiple objects simultaneously, creating loud, chaotic ghost events. During hunts, it throws objects at players for damage. Fingerprints, Ghost Writing, and Spirit Box evidence. Identify by the volume and frequency of thrown objects.
Banshee (S-Tier): Targets one specific player and hunts only that person until they die or leave. Non-targets are relatively safe during hunts. EMF 5, Fingerprints, and Ghost Orbs evidence. The Banshee's unique scream can be heard through the Parabolic Mic.
For full build breakdowns with gear and stat priorities, see our Phasmophobia builds guide.
Equipment Guide
| Equipment | Why It Matters | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EMF Reader | Detects ghost activity on a 1-5 scale. | All investigations — primary detection tool |
| Spirit Box | A radio device that responds to voice questions in the ghost room. | Voice-responsive ghost types (Spirit, Wraith, Poltergeist, etc.) |
| DOTS Projector | Projects a grid of green dots on a wall. | Wraith, Phantom, and other DOTS-evidence ghosts |
| Ghost Writing Book | Place in the ghost room and the ghost may write in it. | Easy evidence confirmation in ghost room |
| UV Light | Reveals fingerprints on doors, windows, and light switches the ghost has interacted with. | All investigations — fingerprint evidence detection |
EMF Reader: Detects ghost activity on a 1-5 scale. EMF 5 is one of the 7 evidence types. Place it in the ghost room and check readings. Readings of 2-4 indicate ghost interaction without being evidence. Essential starting equipment.
Spirit Box: A radio device that responds to voice questions in the ghost room. Ask questions like 'Where are you?' or 'How old are you?' while alone in the room. Responses confirm Spirit Box evidence. Some ghosts only respond when you're alone.
DOTS Projector: Projects a grid of green dots on a wall. If the ghost passes through, its silhouette is visible in the dots. Place in the ghost room and monitor via camera or direct observation. One of the harder evidence types to spot.
Ghost Writing Book: Place in the ghost room and the ghost may write in it. Check periodically for markings. Ghost Writing is one of the easier evidence types to confirm — if the book has writing, it's confirmed. Some ghosts write quickly, others take time.
UV Light: Reveals fingerprints on doors, windows, and light switches the ghost has interacted with. Check these surfaces frequently. Fingerprints are one of the 7 evidence types. Also reveals footprints in salt (except Wraith).
Location Progression
| Location | Level Range | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Tanglewood Street House | Amateur-Professional | Learn basic investigation skills, quick evidence gathering |
| Bleasdale Farmhouse | Intermediate-Professional | Multi-floor investigation experience, moderate difficulty |
| Brownstone High School | Professional-Nightmare | Large map experience, advanced investigation skills |
| Sunny Meadows | Professional-Nightmare | Most challenging investigation, highest difficulty content |
| Point Hope | Intermediate-Nightmare | Multi-building investigation, outdoor ghost behavior |
Tanglewood Street House: A small residential house ideal for beginners. Limited hiding spots but short distances mean quick evidence gathering. The ghost room is usually identifiable within minutes. Low risk of getting lost.
Bleasdale Farmhouse: A medium two-story farmhouse with multiple rooms and a basement. The attic can be the ghost room, requiring listening for activity above. More complex than Tanglewood but still manageable for intermediate players.
Brownstone High School: A large building with dozens of rooms, long hallways, and multiple floors. Finding the ghost room takes time. Hiding spots are abundant but so are dead-ends during hunts. One of the hardest base game maps.
Sunny Meadows: The largest map — a massive asylum with wings, floors, and outdoor areas. Finding the ghost room can take 10+ minutes. Hunts are terrifying due to the sheer distance from exits. Recommended for experienced groups only.
Point Hope: A coastal town map with multiple buildings and outdoor areas. The ghost can be in any building, requiring broad initial investigation. Weather effects and outdoor exposure add atmosphere and challenge.
Tips That Actually Matter
- Always check ghost room temperature first — freezing temperatures (below 3°C) are one of the easiest evidence types to confirm. Use the thermometer in each room.
- Smudge sticks prevent hunting for 90 seconds (180 for Spirit). Light them and use them during hunts to escape or before triggering ghost events for safety.
- Crucifix prevents hunts within 3 meters (5 for Banshee). Place two in the ghost room for maximum coverage. They don't work during an active hunt — only prevent new ones.
- Ghost orbs only show on camera, not to the naked eye. Set up a video camera in the ghost room and check the monitor in the truck for floating orbs.
- Each ghost has exactly 3 evidence types. Once you have 2 confirmed, use the journal to narrow possibilities before searching for the third.
- Spirit Box responses require being in the ghost room. Some ghosts only respond when you're alone in the room — check both solo and with teammates.
- DOTS evidence is often missed because it requires watching the projection for extended periods. Set up a camera pointed at the DOTS projector and watch from the truck.
- Hide in closets or lockers during hunts. The ghost cannot open locker doors. Close the door and turn off your flashlight. Hold your breath if the ghost is near.
- Ghost activity increases during events — flickering lights, thrown objects, and ghost writing happen more when the ghost is active. Use these moments to gather evidence.
- Saying the ghost's name through your microphone increases activity but also provokes hunts. Use this strategically when you need more evidence but be ready to run.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the lights off in the building — lights slow sanity drain significantly. Turn on every light in the investigation area to maintain higher sanity longer.
- Standing in the ghost room during a hunt — the ghost targets players in or near its room first. Move away from the ghost room when a hunt starts.
- Not checking the journal for evidence cross-referencing — after finding 2 evidence types, the journal shows which ghosts are still possible. This narrows your search.
- Using all sanity pills immediately — save pills for when sanity drops below 50% (hunts become frequent). Don't use them above 60% sanity.
- Carrying expensive equipment on Nightmare difficulty — if you die, you lose your equipment. Bring only essentials and leave expensive items until you've confirmed it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does voice recognition work in Phasmophobia?
The game uses your microphone to detect speech. The ghost can hear you — speaking loudly or saying its name increases ghost activity and can trigger hunts. The Spirit Box responds to specific questions ('Where are you?', 'How old are you?', 'Are you friendly?').
How do hunts work?
During a hunt, the ghost becomes visible and kills any player it catches. Your flashlight flickers, the exit doors lock, and electronics malfunction. Hide in closets, break line of sight, and stay quiet. Hunts last 15-30 seconds depending on difficulty.
What equipment should I bring for beginners?
EMF Reader, Spirit Box, Thermometer, UV Light, Ghost Writing Book, and Video Camera. These cover 6 of 7 evidence types. Add DOTS Projector and Photo Camera as you learn. Always bring a flashlight and Smudge Sticks.
Can you play Phasmophobia solo?
Yes, but it's significantly harder. Solo players have no backup during hunts, must carry all equipment personally, and face the same ghost difficulty. Solo is a legitimate challenge mode that many experienced players enjoy.
What to Read Next
- Best Phasmophobia Builds — Detailed breakdowns with gear, stats, and playstyle guides
- Phasmophobia Tier List — Current meta rankings
- Phasmophobia Walkthrough — Step-by-step progression from start to endgame
- Phasmophobia Beginner's Guide — First session essentials
- Phasmophobia Tips & Tricks — Advanced strategies and hidden mechanics
