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.
Starting Phasmophobia can feel overwhelming. This guide tells you exactly what to focus on during your first hours so you don't waste time on things that don't matter yet.
What Kind of Game Is This?
Phasmophobia is a horror game built around ghost identification and sanity management. The core loop involves mastering these systems to progress through increasingly challenging content.
What to expect: Time investment in learning mechanics, experimentation, and gradual mastery. The game rewards patience and knowledge.
Choosing Your First Build
| Build | Beginner Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit | Situational | Standard investigation, use smudge sticks for extended safety windows. |
| Wraith | Excellent for beginners | Place salt and check for lack of footprints to confirm Wraith. |
| Phantom | Excellent for beginners | Photograph the ghost to temporarily banish it, avoid eye contact during hunts. |
| Poltergeist | Situational | Place items in ghost room, observe for multiple simultaneous throws. |
| Banshee | Good (but demanding) | Figure out who the Banshee targets, keep that player safe, collect evidence from the safer players. |
Our recommendation: Start with Wraith. 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.
Avoid Banshee as your first pick. Targets one specific player and hunts only that person until they die or leave.
First Session Step-by-Step
Step 1: Learn 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.
This is the foundation. Spend your first 15-30 minutes getting comfortable with how ghost identification works before worrying about anything else.
Step 2: Head to 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.
Clear the main content here before moving on. Everything teaches fundamentals you'll need later.
Step 3: Get Your First Upgrade
Look for Spirit Box — it's the most accessible early upgrade. 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.
Step 4: Understand 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.
This is the system most new players overlook. Invest time here early — it pays off throughout the entire game.
Step 5: Push to 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.
Essential Mechanics Explained
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.
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Using all sanity pills immediately — save pills for when sanity drops below 50% (hunts become frequent)
Don't use them above 60% sanity.
5. 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.
First 5 Hours Checklist
- Understand ghost identification and sanity management
- Choose Wraith as starting build
- Clear Tanglewood Street House main content
- Acquire Spirit Box or equivalent upgrade
- Reach Bleasdale Farmhouse
- 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.
Tips for New Players
- 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.
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
- Phasmophobia Builds — Optimize your build once you've learned the basics
- Phasmophobia Walkthrough — Full progression path
- Phasmophobia Tips — Advanced strategies for when you're ready
