Phasmophobia is the co-op ghost hunting experience that horror game fans have been dreaming of for a long time. The game offers an intense paranormal investigation theme, designed to be horrifying down to every last detail.
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There are four objectives to achieve on every hunt in Phasmophobia. The primary objective is always to determine what type of ghost has infested the location. The three remaining objectives are randomly selected and can be anything from getting the ghost to walk through Salt to surviving a hunt. Players have a large variety of equipment to choose from, and ensuring that the right equipment is handy can help save time (and Sanity). Here's every item in the game, ranked from worst to best.
22 Infrared Light Sensor
The Infrared Light Sensor is described to track both human and nonhuman motion, and emits a bright light when triggered. This does great for creating a spookier atmosphere, but not much else.
This item does act as a cheaper version of the Motion Sensor. However, without the ability to view its activity from the truck, its function does not make it worth the $65 investment.
21 Sound Sensor
The Sound Sensor is $80, making it the second most expensive item in the game. With that kind of price tag, this piece of equipment should be more useful than it is.
The only justification for using the Sound Sensor is to help determine the ghost's location in larger areas. However, there are other, cheaper pieces of equipment that can accomplish the same goal.
20 Head-Mounted Camera
While the Head-Mounted Camera is the subject of some of Phasmophobia's more comical moments, it's always outclassed by well-placed Tripods. The live view of the Head-Mounted Camera is almost impossible to watch unless the wearer is standing still.
This item does find more use in groups of four, as truck management becomes easier with three live feeds to the other players. Overall, though, this item offers nothing in terms of clearing objectives or gathering evidence.
19 Parabolic Microphone
The Parabolic Microphone is an interesting piece of equipment. It acts as a cheaper, mobile version of the Sound Sensor. This item is best at finding the haunted area on larger maps.
However, there is a helpful tip that is still more reliable and less expensive than this item. As the player explores a larger location (like the Prison) they can determine the haunted room by asking the ghost for a sign. When the player asks near the location of the room, the ghost will notify them by either opening the door to the room, or making a sound nearby.
18 Glowstick
The Glowstick is a stationary object used for finding fingerprints. Ideally, players placethe Glowstick below a door in view of a Video Camera. Glowsticks reach about halfway up the door, allowing a view for fingerprints.
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This item does have its uses, especially for longer hunts that are spent mostly inside the truck. Glowsticks just don't offer as much utility as the UV Light.
17 Flashlight
The starter Flashlight is fine if the player absolutely has to use it. It provides enough light needed to play the game. Additionally, players receive it at the very beginning, which is always good.
This item's downside is that once the player upgrades to the Strong Flashlight, there is no need for the starter one anymore. Still, this flashlight serves its purpose faithfully for the first few hunts.
16 Motion Sensor
The Motion Sensor is the most expensive item in the game, at $100. This item offers a lot in terms of tracking the ghost's movements, but it doesn't contribute to finding evidence.
One of the possible objectives that a player may have involves using the Motion Sensor. However, with better and less pricey options out there, this is usually the only instance that the item sees use.
15 Salt
A common objective requires the player to have the ghost walk through Salt. Two containers of Salt can be brought on a hunt, and each container holds three salt piles.
Salt has multiple uses. It can show footprints if walked through, which helps since only certain ghosts leave footprints. Players can also use this cheap item to track a roaming ghost if they sprinkle it in doorways.
14 Smudge Stick
The Smudge Stick can be a versatile weapon for the player, and comes at a cheap price as well. Three Smudge Sticks are allowed on a hunt, and they are only $15 each.
One potential objective involves to using Smudge Sticks to cleanse the haunted area. Smudge Sticks can also be used to prevent the ghost from entering hunt mode.
13 Tripod
The Tripod is not a necessary piece of equipment. However, it offers so many benefits to keeping the player safe that it cannot be overlooked. One or two well-placed Tripod Cameras can allow the hunters to view the entire haunted area safely from the truck.
Less time spent inside the house means more Sanity for the players, and Sanity is the most important resource in Phasmophobia.
12 Ghost Writing Book
The Ghost Writing Book is the least reliable of the testing items in Phasmophobia. This item relies solely on its placement in the haunted area.
The book can be placed on a shelf and not receive any activity, only for the ghost to write in it the second the book is placed on the floor. There have also been instances where the ghost writes in the book before the player can even place it. Of all the testing items, the Ghost Writing Book seems to rely on RNG the most.
11 Spirit Box
The Spirit Box has gotten much easier to use, thanks to recent updates and clarification from the developer. There is a list of questions that investigators can ask the Spirit Box to gain a response from the ghost. The players must ask these questions with the lights out, but flashlights may remain on.
Another advantage to the Spirit Box is that players can use it without holding it. If turned on, players can place the item somewhere in the haunted room while they go through the list of questions.
10 UV Light
The UV Light is the easiest testing item to use in the player's arsenal. Simply turn it on and scan doors and light switches for fingerprints.
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For the most part, if a ghost is consistently moving a door or turning the lights on and off, it will leave fingerprints. The UV Light makes finding fingerprint evidence a breeze, and allows for extra cash the player takes a photo.
9 EMF Reader
The EMF Reader can seem difficult and random if the player isn't aware of how it functions. Essentially, if a ghost moves an object, the EMF Reader will show a reading of 2 or 3 if it's near the object. A reading of 4 means the ghost has manifested somewhere in the house.
To achieve EMF level 5 evidence, the player may have to get a few readings of 2 or 3 first. The EMF Reader can also be set up in front of a camera for easy truck monitoring.
8 Video Camera
The Video Camera is a very versatile piece of equipment. Of all the items on this list, the Video Camera is one of the few that the player just can't have enough of.
This item is crucial for safe hunts, as the more cameras set up in the house, the less the players have to be inside. Players can set up Video Cameras on tripods for wide views of the entire haunted area, or directly in front of test items like the Ghost Writing Book. Spirt Orbs can only be viewed through Video Cameras, making this item essential for evidence gathering.
7 Crucifix
If not for a recent update, the Crucifix would rank much lower on this list. The item offers nothing in terms of evidence, but can now save the players from a hunt twice per Crucifix.
The Crucifix was recently changed to break apart after each use, making it much easier to tell if the item is actually working or not. An objective to prevent the ghost from hunting with a crucifix is now much more doable than it was before.
6 Candle
Candles are very cheap, priced at $15 each, and are necessary for keeping players' Sanity high. Some maps have Candles already available, which is incredible for long stints in the haunted area.
Player Sanity determines the likelihood of a hunt occurring, so the more Candles lit, the longer the player can stay inside. An objective was recently added that requires the player to have a ghost blow out a Candle.
5 Lighter
The Lighter ranks this high because it is required in order to use both Candles and Smudge Sticks. Without a Lighter, the player can be left with a bunch of useless equipment and may be unable to clear certain objectives.
The Lighter can be easily accessed from a player's inventory. To use it, simply press the F key while holding a Smudge Stick or Candle.
4 Photo Camera
Racking up cash in Phasmophobia is key. Having a few thousand dollars as a safety net provides peace of mind on hunts. The Photo Camera is basically a money-printing machine, especially on professional hunts.
The player can photograph the Bone, Fingerprints, the ghost itself (if lucky), and several other pieces of evidence for extra cash. Players can earn hundreds of dollars on professional hunts just by taking photos.
3 Thermometer
The Thermometer is hands down the most important testing item available to the player and should be purchased as soon as possible. Despite the changes made in recent patches, the Thermometer is still the best item for finding the haunted area.
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This is the item most players take through the house first, as even a slight dip in temperature can help indicate the location of the ghost.
2 Sanity Pills
Sanity Pills are essential for extending the length of an investigation. If players' Sanity dips too low, they won't be able to go back inside the location without being attacked.
Sanity Pills restore around 40% Sanity with each use. Since they're such a useful item, players should bring the maximum amount of Sanity Pills with them on every investigation.
1 Strong Flashlight
The Strong Flashlight should be the first item any player buys, without question. Priced at $50, this item can be purchased after one or two successful hunts, and the difference in vision is immediately noticeable.
The Strong Flashlight might be just a "quality of life" item, but clear vision is one of the most important keys to having a successful hunt.
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