Beginner's Guide to Phasmophobia

New to ghost hunting? This guide covers the basics of gameplay, evidence collection, surviving hunts, and loadout tips.

How to Play Phasmophobia

  • 1Phasmophobia is a cooperative ghost hunting game where 1-4 players investigate haunted locations to identify ghost types.
  • 2Your main objective is to gather three pieces of evidence using specialized equipment to determine which ghost is haunting the location.
  • 3Start each investigation from the van where you can monitor cameras, check the map, and track your team objectives.
  • 4Bring essential equipment into the building: flashlight, EMF reader, thermometer, and your chosen evidence tools.
  • 5Complete optional objectives for bonus money, but prioritize survival -- dead players lose their equipped items.

Evidence Collection

  • 1There are 7 evidence types: EMF Level 5, Spirit Box, Ghost Writing, Ultraviolet, Ghost Orb, DOTs Projector, and Freezing Temperatures.
  • 2Each ghost type has exactly 3 evidence types -- identifying all 3 confirms the ghost identity.
  • 3Start with passive evidence (temperature, ghost orbs via camera) to narrow down possibilities quickly.
  • 4On higher difficulties, some evidence is hidden -- use the ghost behavior and secondary clues to make deductions.
  • 5Write down or use the in-game journal to track which evidence you have confirmed or ruled out.

Surviving Hunts

  • 1Hunts begin when the ghost becomes aggressive -- lights will flicker, the front door locks, and your radio cuts out.
  • 2Immediately hide in a closet, locker, or behind furniture when a hunt starts. Turn off your flashlight and equipment.
  • 3Do not speak during hunts -- the ghost can detect voice activity through your microphone.
  • 4Smudge sticks can temporarily stun the ghost during a hunt, giving you time to find a hiding spot.
  • 5The ghost cannot open closet or locker doors during hunts, making these the safest hiding locations.

Sanity Management

  • 1Your sanity decreases over time while inside the haunted location, especially in darkness.
  • 2Lower sanity increases the chance of ghost hunts -- most ghosts can hunt below 50% average team sanity.
  • 3Sanity pills restore 40% sanity each -- use them strategically when your sanity drops below safe thresholds.
  • 4Keeping lights on in rooms slows sanity drain. The ghost can turn lights off, so stay vigilant.
  • 5Monitor team sanity from the van computer -- coordinate pill usage across the team for maximum efficiency.

Loadout Tips

  • 1Always bring at least one flashlight, one EMF reader, and one thermometer as your baseline equipment.
  • 2Video cameras are essential for detecting Ghost Orbs and DOTs Projector evidence remotely from the van.
  • 3Smudge sticks and a lighter are critical safety items -- they can prevent or interrupt hunts.
  • 4Crucifixes prevent hunts when placed near the ghost -- position them in the ghost room before sanity drops.
  • 5As you earn money, invest in stronger flashlights and additional evidence-gathering tools for harder contracts.