The Shoemaker Bugle

by Paul Kang

Phasmophobia is an Indie horror game developed by Kinetic Games and was released September 18, 2020.

In the game, paranormal activity is on the rise, and it’s up to you and your team to identify the ghost by using hunting tools and gathering evidence. You can support your team by monitoring the location using cameras and motion sensors from the safety of the truck (where you cannot be hurt). Or, you can head inside and get your hands dirty with ghostly activity that will get increasingly more hostile the longer you stay. Gather three pieces of evidence to be able to identify the type of ghost you are hunting.

You can also complete optional objectives that are placed in the game to help earn more money. This game is sure to get your heart pumping and put you on the edge of your seat!

What follows are the main things you need to know and understand about the game.

Investigate Use well known ghost hunting equipment such as EMF readers that detect where spiritual activity occurs. Other tools such as spirit boxes allow you to talk to ghosts while thermometers help to monitor room temperature and the probability of being in contact with a spirit, and so much more.

Maps There are a wide range of maps that come in different sizes and elements that make them unique. 

Below are lists of each type of map. The names are links that will allow you to read all about each specific map. 

• Small Maps: Tanglewood Street House, Edgefield Street House, Ridgeview Road House, Grafton Farmhouse, and Bleasdale Farmhouse
• Medium Maps: Brownstone High School and Prison (currently only available on beta)
• Large Maps:  Asylum

Unique Ghosts There are over 10 different species of ghosts you can hunt which makes each investigation new and exciting. 

Spirits A Spirit is the most common ghost you will come across, but is still powerful and dangerous. It’s most commonly found in hunting grounds after an unexplained death. It has no special strengths. Smudge sticks affect Spirits by preventing them from hunting for about three minutes.

Evidence

• Ghost Writing
• Spirit Box
• Fingerprints

Wraith A Wraith is one of the most dangerous ghosts you will find. It is the only known ghost that has the ability to fly, and has been known to see through doors and go through walls. Salt is toxic to a Wraith.

Evidence:

• Freezing Temperatures
• Spirit Box
• Fingerprints

Phantom A Phantom is a fear-inducing ghost that drains the sanity of those who view it. Taking a picture of it will make it disappear temporarily. It is rumored to possess the living yet no ability to actually do so. It is said that it’s commonly summoned by a Ouija Board. However, players cannot summon one themselves, and a Phantom’s presence does not guarantee a Ouija Board to spawn.

Evidence:

• Freezing Temperatures
• EMF Level 5
• Ghost Orb

Poltergeist The more infamous ghost, a Poltergeist, is noisy and can manipulate multiple objects to spread fear into its victims. However, it is ineffective in an empty room.

Evidence:

• Spirit Box
• Ghost Orb
• Fingerprints

Banshee Banshees are described as natural hunters. They stalk and pick off ghost hunters one by one by selectively targeting one investigator at a time. Banshees fear the Crucifix, increasing its effectiveness against them.

Evidence:

• Freezing Temperatures
• EMF Level 5
• Fingerprints

Jinn A Jinn is a territorial ghost that will attack when threatened and known to travel at high speeds when hunting investigators. Cutting off power via a fuse box will reduce its speed.

Evidence:

• EMF Level 5
• Spirit Box
• Ghost Orb

Mare The source of all nightmares–a Mare–is a ghost that grows more aggressive when in the dark. Keeping lights on and avoiding dark areas will limit its aggression. Beware: it will try to turn lights off to become more powerful.

Evidence:

• Freezing Temperatures
• Spirit Box
• Ghost Orb

Revenant A Revenant is a violent ghost that attacks indiscriminately, as it’s capable of switching its target mid-hunt. Hiding will cause it to move slower, but it travels faster than any other ghost in the game when a victim is in its sights!

Evidence:

• EMF Level 5
• Ghost Writing
• Fingerprints

Shade A Shade is considered a “shy ghost”. A Shade is less likely to attack if there are multiple people nearby, so the best way to gather evidence is to remain in groups. This is rather difficult, but if you want to witness a Shade, you’ll have to be as in sync as possible.

Evidence:

• EMF Level 5
• Ghost Writing
• Ghost Orb

Demon A Demon is one of the worst ghosts to encounter!  Being highly aggressive, it attacks more often compared to any other ghost, so a crucifix is recommended to prevent hunts. However, asking the demon questions from the Ouija Board does not drain the player’s sanity.

Evidence:

• Freezing Temperatures
• Ghost Writing
• Spirit Box

Yurei A Yurei is a ghost who slowly drains a player’s sanity (most ghosts drain your sanity rather quickly). Smudging a room where a Yurei is found will prevent it from wandering from the location for a long time.

Evidence:

• Freezing Temperatures
• Ghost Writing
• Ghost Orb

Oni An Oni is an aggressive ghost who scales its activity level with the number of nearby investigators. This is its greatest weakness, as it will likely reveal itself early in the round. It is also likely to wander around near the Ghost Room.

Evidence:

• EMF Level 5
• Ghost Writing
• Spirit Box

Full Voice Recognition The ghosts are listening! Use your actual voice to interact with the ghost through Ouija Boards and talking sessions through the Spirit Box. So cool!

Sanity There is a sanity meter in the truck. The lower your sanity, the more the ghost will want to attack. When your sanity reaches 0% it is said that you die instantly! To avoid this, buy and take sanity pills when it is low!