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.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | B | Standard investigation, use smudge sticks for extended safety windows. | EMF Reader | No |
| Wraith | A | Place salt and check for lack of footprints to confirm Wraith. | Spirit Box | Yes |
| Phantom | A | Photograph the ghost to temporarily banish it, avoid eye contact during hunts. | DOTS Projector | Yes |
| Poltergeist | B | Place items in ghost room, observe for multiple simultaneous throws. | Ghost Writing Book | No |
| Banshee | S | Figure out who the Banshee targets, keep that player safe, collect evidence from the safer players. | UV Light | Moderate |
New player? Start with Wraith — see our beginner's guide for why.
Spirit
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Standard investigation, use smudge sticks for extended safety windows. |
| Best Equipment | EMF Reader |
| Stat Priority | Evidence gathering > smudge timing |
| Core Gear | Smudge sticks (extra effective), Spirit Box, UV Light |
| Key Mechanic | ghost identification |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Standard investigation, use smudge sticks for extended safety windows.
- Pairs well with EMF Reader
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tanglewood Street House to learn Spirit-specific mechanics
- Focus on ghost identification — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize EMF Reader as your first major upgrade
- See our full Spirit build guide for the optimal gear progression
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Place salt and check for lack of footprints to confirm Wraith. |
| Best Equipment | Spirit Box |
| Stat Priority | Salt test > EMF monitoring > Spirit Box |
| Core Gear | Salt (won't leave footprints — diagnostic), Spirit Box, DOTS |
| Key Mechanic | sanity management |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Place salt and check for lack of footprints to confirm Wraith.
- Pairs well with Spirit Box
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tanglewood Street House to learn Wraith-specific mechanics
- Focus on sanity management — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Spirit Box as your first major upgrade
- See our full Wraith build guide for the optimal gear progression
Phantom
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Photograph the ghost to temporarily banish it, avoid eye contact during hunts. |
| Best Equipment | DOTS Projector |
| Stat Priority | Photo evidence > Ghost Orb check > fingerprint scan |
| Core Gear | Photo Camera (makes it disappear), avoid looking at it during hunts |
| Key Mechanic | equipment usage |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Photograph the ghost to temporarily banish it, avoid eye contact during hunts.
- Pairs well with DOTS Projector
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tanglewood Street House to learn Phantom-specific mechanics
- Focus on equipment usage — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize DOTS Projector as your first major upgrade
- See our full Phantom build guide for the optimal gear progression
Poltergeist
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Place items in ghost room, observe for multiple simultaneous throws. |
| Best Equipment | Ghost Writing Book |
| Stat Priority | Object interaction monitoring > evidence gathering |
| Core Gear | Items placed in ghost room (for throwing test), EMF Reader |
| Key Mechanic | difficulty scaling |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Place items in ghost room, observe for multiple simultaneous throws.
- Pairs well with Ghost Writing Book
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tanglewood Street House to learn Poltergeist-specific mechanics
- Focus on difficulty scaling — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Ghost Writing Book as your first major upgrade
- See our full Poltergeist build guide for the optimal gear progression
Banshee
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Figure out who the Banshee targets, keep that player safe, collect evidence from the safer players. |
| Best Equipment | UV Light |
| Stat Priority | Identify target player > protect that player > evidence |
| Core Gear | Parabolic Microphone (unique scream), Crucifix near target player |
| Key Mechanic | photo rewards |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Figure out who the Banshee targets, keep that player safe, collect evidence from the safer players.
- Pairs well with UV Light
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tanglewood Street House to learn Banshee-specific mechanics
- Focus on photo rewards — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize UV Light as your first major upgrade
- See our full Banshee build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Wraith is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Spirit is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with EMF Reader for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Banshee offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Poltergeist shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Phasmophobia Guides
- Phasmophobia Phasmophobia Overview
- Phasmophobia Best Builds
- Phasmophobia Tier List
- Phasmophobia Walkthrough
- Phasmophobia Beginner's Guide
- Phasmophobia Tips & Tricks
- Phasmophobia Weapons Guide
- Phasmophobia Combat Guide
- Phasmophobia Boss Guide
- Phasmophobia Maps & Locations
- Phasmophobia Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Phasmophobia, check out these related guides:
- Lethal Company Classes Guide — horror game with similar mechanics
- Dead by Daylight Classes Guide — horror game with similar mechanics
- R.E.P.O. Classes Guide — horror game with similar mechanics
