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.
These tips go beyond the basics. They're the strategies experienced players use to play more efficiently, the hidden mechanics most people miss, and the optimizations that compound over a full playthrough.
Essential Tips
1. Always check ghost room temperature first — freezing temperatures (below 3°C) are one of the easiest evidence types to confirm
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.
2. Smudge sticks prevent hunting for 90 seconds (180 for Spirit)
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.
3. Crucifix prevents hunts within 3 meters (5 for Banshee)
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.
4. Ghost orbs only show on camera, not to the naked eye
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.
5. Each ghost has exactly 3 evidence types
Each ghost has exactly 3 evidence types. Once you have 2 confirmed, use the journal to narrow possibilities before searching for the third.
6. Spirit Box responses require being in the ghost room
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.
7. DOTS evidence is often missed because it requires watching the projection for extended periods
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.
8. Hide in closets or lockers during hunts
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.
9. Ghost activity increases during events — flickering lights, thrown objects, and ghost writing happen more when the ghost is active
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.
10. Saying the ghost's name through your microphone increases activity but also provokes hunts
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.
Advanced Strategies
Build Optimization
The difference between an average build and an optimized one is massive:
For 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.
- Core gear: Smudge sticks (extra effective), Spirit Box, UV Light
- Stat priority: Evidence gathering > smudge timing
For 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.
- Core gear: Salt (won't leave footprints — diagnostic), Spirit Box, DOTS
- Stat priority: Salt test > EMF monitoring > Spirit Box
Mechanic Interactions
Understanding how Phasmophobia's systems interact is where the real optimization lives:
ghost identification + sanity management: 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). Combined with sanity management, your average sanity starts at 100% and decreases in darkness, during ghost events, and near the ghost.
equipment usage + difficulty scaling: 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. When paired with difficulty scaling, amateur gives all 3 evidence.
photo rewards scaling: 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.
Equipment Efficiency
| Equipment | Best Use Case | Why |
|---|---|---|
| EMF Reader | All investigations — primary detection tool | Detects ghost activity on a 1-5 scale. |
| Spirit Box | Voice-responsive ghost types (Spirit, Wraith, Poltergeist, etc.) | A radio device that responds to voice questions in the ghost room. |
| DOTS Projector | Wraith, Phantom, and other DOTS-evidence ghosts | Projects a grid of green dots on a wall. |
| Ghost Writing Book | Easy evidence confirmation in ghost room | Place in the ghost room and the ghost may write in it. |
| UV Light | All investigations — fingerprint evidence detection | Reveals fingerprints on doors, windows, and light switches the ghost has interacted with. |
Location Efficiency
Tanglewood Street House (Amateur-Professional): 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 (Intermediate-Professional): 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 (Professional-Nightmare): 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 (Professional-Nightmare): 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 (Intermediate-Nightmare): 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.
Mistakes Even Veterans Make
- 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.
Efficiency Quick Reference
| Aspect | Optimal Choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Spirit | B-tier, best overall |
| Starter | Wraith | Most forgiving for learning |
| Equipment | EMF Reader | Best resource-to-power ratio |
| First area | Tanglewood Street House | Learn basic investigation skills, quick evidence gathering |
| Priority mechanic | ghost identification | Everything else builds on this |
Pro Quick Tips
- 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.
- Start with Wraith, switch to Spirit when ready
- Invest in EMF Reader above everything else
- Clear areas in order: Tanglewood Street House → Bleasdale Farmhouse → Brownstone High School → Sunny Meadows → Point Hope
- ghost identification + sanity management together are stronger than either alone
For full build details, check builds. For progression path, see the walkthrough.
