Phasmophobia, the terrifyingly popular paranormal investigation simulator, hinges on one crucial skill: identifying the ghost. Without accurate identification, your team’s efforts are futile, and your sanity will dwindle faster than a flickering light bulb. This guide delves deep into the mechanics of ghost identification, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently discern spectral entities from simple environmental anomalies. We’ll cover everything from understanding ghost abilities to leveraging your tools effectively.
Understanding the Basics of Ghost Behavior
Before you can identify a ghost, you need to understand how they behave. Phasmophobia ghosts are not static entities. They have moods, preferences, and unique ways of interacting with the environment and your equipment.
The Ghost’s Presence and Activity
The core of ghost identification lies in observing its activity. Ghosts manifest their presence in various ways, often indicated by changes in the environment or specific sensory inputs.
Environmental Interactions
Ghosts can manipulate objects in the physical world. This includes:
- Doors opening or closing on their own.
- Lights flickering or turning off/on.
- Objects being thrown or moved.
- Music boxes playing without intervention.
- TVs or radios switching on.
These events are your first clues. While some might be random occurrences, a pattern of these interactions, especially when you’re not near them, strongly suggests a paranormal presence.
Auditory and Visual Manifestations
Beyond physical interactions, ghosts can also communicate or reveal themselves through sounds and sights.
- Ghostly Whispers: Listen carefully for faint voices or whispers when using equipment like parabolic microphones or spirit boxes. These are direct attempts at communication.
- Footsteps: The distinct sound of footsteps, especially when no player is present, is a classic sign.
- Breathing: Similar to whispers, hearing phantom breathing can indicate the ghost’s proximity.
- Apparitions: While rare, seeing a fleeting shadowy figure or a brief visual manifestation is a undeniable sign of a ghost. These are often triggered by specific conditions or ghost types.
Key Evidence: The Pillars of Ghost Identification
Phasmophobia’s identification system relies on gathering three distinct pieces of evidence. Each ghost type has a unique combination of these evidence types. Mastering the use of your tools to collect this evidence is paramount.
Understanding Each Evidence Type
There are currently six types of evidence in Phasmophobia, each requiring specific equipment to detect.
Ghost Writing
This evidence appears as writing or drawings in the Ghost Writing book.
- How to Detect: Place the Ghost Writing book in an area where you suspect the ghost to be active. The ghost must have Ghost Writing as one of its evidence types and be in a “hunting” or “influenced” state to write.
- Tips for Success: Leave the book in a prominent location. Look for smudges or complete writings. Some ghosts will only write if you provoke them or use a specific item.
Spirit Box**
The Spirit Box allows you to ask questions and receive responses from the ghost.
- How to Detect: Use the Spirit Box in different rooms. Ask questions like “Are you there?”, “What do you want?”, or “Give us a sign.” Listen for audible responses or see “EMF” on the Spirit Box display.
- Tips for Success: Ensure you are close to the ghost and that it’s in an active state. Ambient noise can drown out responses. Some ghost types are more responsive than others.
EMF Reader**
The EMF Reader detects electromagnetic fields. Ghosts generate EMF spikes.
- How to Detect: Carry the EMF Reader around the investigation area. Higher readings (Level 2, 3, 4, or 5) indicate paranormal activity.
- Tips for Success: Look for sustained high readings. A Level 5 EMF reading is often a direct interaction from the ghost, such as opening a door or throwing an object.
Ghost Orbs**
Ghost Orbs appear as small, floating balls of light, visible only with a video camera.
- How to Detect: Place video cameras strategically throughout the map. Review the camera feeds on the monitor in your van. Look for the distinct orb phenomenon.
- Tips for Success: Ghost Orbs only appear in rooms where the ghost has manifested its presence. They are not always present, so patience is key.
Freezing Temperatures**
This evidence manifests as a significant drop in room temperature, often visible as your breath in the air.
- How to Detect: Use a Thermometer to check room temperatures. A reading of 0° Celsius (32° Fahrenheit) or lower signifies Freezing Temperatures.
- Tips for Success: The ghost must be actively influencing the area to cause freezing. Check multiple rooms to pinpoint the ghost’s primary location.
Fingerprints**
Fingerprints appear as handprints on surfaces where the ghost has interacted.
- How to Detect: Use the UV Light to scan surfaces like doors, windows, light switches, and the Ghost Writing book.
- Tips for Success: Fingerprints are usually left behind after the ghost interacts with an object. They can appear in different colors, but the key is the distinct imprint.
Leveraging Your Tools for Accurate Identification
Your inventory in Phasmophobia is your lifeline. Each tool plays a crucial role in gathering evidence.
Essential Tools and Their Applications
- Spirit Box: As mentioned, crucial for auditory communication.
- EMF Reader: Detects electromagnetic fluctuations.
- Thermometer: Measures ambient temperature.
- Ghost Writing Book: Collects written paranormal evidence.
- UV Light: Reveals fingerprints and other spectral residues.
- Video Camera: Detects Ghost Orbs and allows for remote observation.
- Parabolic Microphone: Picks up faint ghost sounds from a distance, including whispers and footsteps.
- Motion Sensor: Detects movement within its range. Useful for confirming ghost presence and direction.
- Sound Sensor: Detects any sound within its range. Can help pinpoint ghost activity.
The Ghost Types and Their Evidence Combinations
There are 14 distinct ghost types in Phasmophobia, each with a unique combination of three evidence types, as well as a unique ability or behavior that can aid in identification.
Common Ghost Types and How to Identify Them
Let’s explore some of the more common ghosts and the tell-tale signs:
Poltergeist
- Evidence: Ghost Orbs, Fingerprints, EMF Level 2
- Unique Ability: Poltergeist Event: Can throw multiple objects at once, often with great force.
- Identification Strategy: Look for a flurry of thrown objects and simultaneously try to gather Ghost Orbs with a camera. An EMF spike coinciding with an object throw is a strong indicator.
Banshee
- Evidence: Ghost Orbs, Fingerprints, Freezing Temperatures
- Unique Ability: Banshee Scream: Will target one player and scream directly at them, which can be heard on the parabolic microphone. This scream will also show up as a fingerprint if the Banshee is holding a microphone.
- Identification Strategy: Pay close attention to the parabolic microphone. If you hear a distinct scream directed at you, and the ghost also exhibits Ghost Orbs and Freezing Temps, it’s likely a Banshee.
Phantom**
- Evidence: Ghost Orbs, Spirit Box, Freezing Temperatures
- Unique Ability: Phantom’s Gaze: If you look at a Phantom during a Ghost Event, it will cause you to lose sanity much faster.
- Identification Strategy: Be cautious when observing. If you experience rapid sanity drain from looking at the ghost, and you have evidence of Ghost Orbs and Spirit Box activity, consider the Phantom.
Wraith**
- Evidence: Ghost Orbs, Spirit Box, Freezing Temperatures
- Unique Ability: No Footsteps: A Wraith will not leave footprints, even when walking on salt.
- Identification Strategy: The most reliable way to identify a Wraith is by placing salt on the floor and observing if it walks through it without leaving any footprints. Combine this with Spirit Box and Freezing Temperature evidence.
Revenant**
- Evidence: Ghost Writing, Fingerprints, Freezing Temperatures
- Unique Ability: Speed: A Revenant is incredibly fast when hunting but incredibly slow when not hunting.
- Identification Strategy: During a hunt, a Revenant will move at an alarming pace. If you can get a clear line of sight during a hunt and notice extreme speed, alongside Ghost Writing and Fingerprints, you’ve likely found your Revenant.
Jinn**
- Evidence: EMF Level 5, Fingerprints, Freezing Temperatures
- Unique Ability: Speed Boost: A Jinn will move faster if it is already moving when it senses a player.
- Identification Strategy: High EMF readings are a hallmark of the Jinn. If you also get Fingerprints and Freezing Temperatures, and observe the ghost moving faster when it is already in motion, it’s a strong indication of a Jinn.
Mare**
- Evidence: Ghost Orbs, Spirit Box, Ghost Writing
- Unique Ability: Increased Hunt Chance: The Mare has an increased chance of hunting in darkness.
- Identification Strategy: Turn off lights and see if the ghost starts hunting frequently. If you also have Ghost Orbs and Spirit Box evidence, the Mare is a likely candidate.
Banshee**
- Evidence: Ghost Orbs, Fingerprints, Freezing Temperatures
- Unique Ability: Targeted Hunts: The Banshee can initiate hunts that are only targeted at a single player.
- Identification Strategy: If you are repeatedly targeted for hunts and experience rapid sanity drain, even when other players are safe, and have the corresponding evidence, the Banshee is a strong contender.
Advanced Identification Techniques and Strategies
Beyond simply collecting evidence, experienced investigators employ advanced tactics to pinpoint ghost types.
Proving and Disproving Evidence
Sometimes, you’ll get two pieces of evidence, and the third can be tricky. Here’s how to confirm or deny the remaining evidence.
Using the Ghost’s Abilities
Some ghosts have abilities that can help you prove or disprove evidence.
- Summoning Circle: Using the summoning circle can force the ghost to appear and interact with objects, potentially leaving fingerprints or using the spirit box.
- Smudge Sticks: Smudging a ghost can temporarily prevent hunts but also influences its behavior, making it more likely to interact with specific evidence.
Observational Clues
Don’t rely solely on your equipment. Your own observations are vital.
- Ghost Speed: As mentioned with the Revenant, observing the ghost’s movement speed during a hunt can be a giveaway.
- Sanity Drain: Some ghosts drain sanity more rapidly than others or in specific circumstances.
- Hunt Patterns: Certain ghosts have distinct hunting patterns or triggers.
The Importance of the Journal and Deduction
Your in-game journal is your primary tool for keeping track of evidence and making deductions.
Utilizing the Journal Effectively**
- Recording Evidence: As you gather evidence, mark it in your journal.
- Cross-referencing: Compare the collected evidence with the known evidence combinations for each ghost type.
- Elimination Process: Use the evidence to eliminate ghost types that don’t match.
Making Deductions**
Once you have two or three pieces of evidence, you should be able to narrow down the possibilities considerably.
- Example: If you have EMF Level 5, Fingerprints, and Freezing Temperatures, you can confidently identify the ghost as a Jinn, a Moroi, or a Thaye. You’ll need to consider the unique abilities to differentiate further if you only have two of those.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Identifying Ghosts
Even seasoned investigators can fall prey to misidentification. Here are some common pitfalls:
Misinterpreting Environmental Noise**
The sound of your own footsteps, the creaking of the house, or even other players’ actions can be mistaken for ghost activity. Always double-check the source of sounds.
Ignoring Unique Abilities**
Focusing only on the three primary evidence types can lead you to miss crucial identifying features like the Wraith’s inability to leave footprints or the Banshee’s targeted hunts.
Not Gathering Enough Evidence**
Jumping to conclusions with only one or two pieces of evidence can lead to incorrect identification. Always aim for at least two, and ideally three, pieces of corroborating evidence.
Not Checking All Rooms**
The ghost’s influence can be localized. Ensure you thoroughly check all areas of the map for evidence before making a final decision.
By diligently applying these principles and practicing your observation skills, you’ll become a more adept paranormal investigator, capable of correctly identifying the spectral entities that haunt the Phasmophobia world. Remember, patience, observation, and a thorough understanding of your tools are your greatest assets in the fight against the unknown.
What are the most common ghost types to encounter in Phasmophobia?
The most frequently encountered ghost types in Phasmophobia are often those with readily observable evidence. Poltergeists, for example, are known for their extreme object manipulation, causing multiple items to be thrown simultaneously. Similarly, Banshees have a distinct hunting behavior, often targeting a specific player and moving unnaturally fast during hunts.
Other common ghosts include Jinn, which are typically fast on higher difficulties and rarely leave fingerprints, and Revenants, which are incredibly fast when they are actively hunting their prey, making them particularly dangerous. Understanding the unique behaviors and evidence associated with these types will significantly improve your identification success rate.
How does the ghost’s behavior change based on its type?
Each ghost type in Phasmophobia exhibits a unique set of behaviors that serve as crucial identification clues. For instance, Mare ghosts have a higher chance of manifesting in darkened rooms and will not initiate hunts if there is light present in the area. Meanwhile, Shades will generally remain stationary and inactive if players are nearby, making them harder to provoke into activity.
Wraiths are unique in their ability to float through walls and doors, meaning they can initiate hunts or interact with you through solid objects without necessarily being in the same room. This lack of interaction with doorways is a key indicator. Understanding these subtle, and sometimes overt, behavioral patterns is paramount for accurate ghost identification.
What are the primary pieces of evidence to look for when identifying a ghost?
The primary pieces of evidence are the five distinct indicators that the game provides to help narrow down the ghost’s identity: Ghost Orbs, Spirit Box, Fingerprints, EMF Levels, and Freezing Temperatures. Ghost Orbs are small, floating orbs of light that appear in areas of high paranormal activity. The Spirit Box is a tool that allows you to communicate with the ghost and receive verbal responses.
Fingerprints are left behind on surfaces after the ghost interacts with them, and are usually visible with a UV light. EMF Levels indicate the presence of paranormal energy, with certain ghost types producing higher or more distinct readings. Finally, Freezing Temperatures are indicated by the ghost’s breath becoming visible in the air, a strong sign of its presence.
How can I use the Spirit Box effectively for ghost identification?
To use the Spirit Box effectively, you must be in close proximity to the ghost and ask clear, direct questions. The ghost’s response will be displayed on the Spirit Box device itself or heard audibly. Questions such as “Are you there?”, “What is your name?”, or “What do you want?” are good starting points.
Pay close attention to the type of response received. Some ghosts will give single-word answers, others will give phrases, and some may remain silent. For example, a Poltergeist might repeatedly say “What” or “Where,” while a Demon might answer with “Die” or “Kill.” Consistent and specific answers to the same question across multiple attempts are strong indicators.
What is the significance of Ghost Orbs in identification?
Ghost Orbs are one of the most common pieces of evidence and appear as small, misty spheres floating through the air. They are generally indicative of the ghost’s presence in a particular area, often manifesting in rooms where the ghost has recently been active or is frequently located. However, Ghost Orbs are not exclusive to any single ghost type and can appear with any of them.
While they are a strong indicator of paranormal activity, they are not definitive proof of a specific ghost on their own. You must combine the presence of Ghost Orbs with other evidence to correctly identify the ghost. Their appearance can also be affected by the lighting conditions of the room, making them sometimes harder to spot in very bright areas.
How do EMF Readings help differentiate between ghost types?
EMF readings, detected by the EMF Reader, indicate the level of paranormal energy in the vicinity. Most ghost types will cause the EMF Reader to spike to level 2 or 3. However, specific levels can point towards certain ghosts. A level 5 EMF reading, for instance, is a critical piece of evidence for identifying a few specific ghost types, such as the Jinn or the Phantom.
The duration and context of the EMF spike are also important. A Jinn will often cause an EMF 5 reading when it’s actively using its abilities, like turning off the power or moving quickly. Ghosts like the Poltergeist might trigger EMF spikes through their object-throwing activities. Correlating EMF readings with other witnessed paranormal events is key to accurate identification.
What are the most challenging ghost types to identify and why?
Some of the most challenging ghost types to identify are those with less distinct evidence or behaviors that can be easily mimicked by other ghosts. For example, Shades are notoriously difficult because they tend to be less active when players are present, making it harder to gather evidence like fingerprints or Spirit Box responses. Their inactivity can be mistaken for the ghost simply not being there.
Another challenging type is the Mimic. This ghost type will imitate the evidence of another ghost, meaning you might see fingerprints, EMF 5, and freezing temperatures, only to realize the Mimic is cycling through different ghost types’ evidence. Identifying a Mimic often requires noticing inconsistencies or the presence of a unique piece of evidence like a Mimic “hallucination” with the cursed possessions.