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.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMF Reader | S | All investigations — primary detection tool | Detects ghost activity on a 1-5 scale. |
| Spirit Box | A | Voice-responsive ghost types (Spirit, Wraith, Poltergeist, etc.) | A radio device that responds to voice questions in the ghost room. |
| DOTS Projector | A | Wraith, Phantom, and other DOTS-evidence ghosts | Projects a grid of green dots on a wall. |
| Ghost Writing Book | B | Easy evidence confirmation in ghost room | Place in the ghost room and the ghost may write in it. |
| UV Light | B | All investigations — fingerprint evidence detection | Reveals fingerprints on doors, windows, and light switches the ghost has interacted with. |
S-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | All investigations — primary detection tool |
| Key Mechanic | ghost identification |
| Recommended Build | Spirit |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using EMF Reader: Pairs naturally with Spirit thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Voice-responsive ghost types (Spirit, Wraith, Poltergeist, etc.) |
| Key Mechanic | sanity management |
| Recommended Build | Wraith |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Spirit Box: Pairs naturally with Wraith thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Wraith, Phantom, and other DOTS-evidence ghosts |
| Key Mechanic | equipment usage |
| Recommended Build | Phantom |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using DOTS Projector: Pairs naturally with Phantom thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Easy evidence confirmation in ghost room |
| Key Mechanic | difficulty scaling |
| Recommended Build | Poltergeist |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Ghost Writing Book: Pairs naturally with Poltergeist thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: 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).
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | All investigations — fingerprint evidence detection |
| Key Mechanic | photo rewards |
| Recommended Build | Banshee |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using UV Light: Pairs naturally with Banshee thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Tanglewood Street House
- Spirit Box → Your first real upgrade, available early
- DOTS Projector → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- EMF Reader → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- 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.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Phasmophobia Guides
- Phasmophobia Phasmophobia Overview
- Phasmophobia Best Builds
- Phasmophobia Tier List
- Phasmophobia Walkthrough
- Phasmophobia Beginner's Guide
- Phasmophobia Tips & Tricks
- Phasmophobia Combat Guide
- Phasmophobia Boss Guide
- Phasmophobia Maps & Locations
- Phasmophobia Crafting Guide
- Phasmophobia Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Phasmophobia, check out these related guides:
- Lethal Company Weapons Guide — horror game with similar mechanics
- Dead by Daylight Weapons Guide — horror game with similar mechanics
- R.E.P.O. Weapons Guide — horror game with similar mechanics
