Phasmophobia Beginner Guide: Evidence, Equipment, Sanity & Hunt Survival

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Phasmophobia Beginner Guide: Evidence, Equipment, Sanity & Hunt Survival

Phasmophobia investigations are built around identifying a ghost from evidence while surviving long enough to leave with the correct conclusion. Kinetic Games continues to update evidence collection, equipment tiers, the Journal and investigation tools, so learning the underlying process is more useful than memorizing one old equipment layout.

Use the Training Tutorial

Before relying on multiplayer teammates, use the current Training content to practice:

• Equipment use.
• Evidence collection.
• Journal interaction.
• Basic investigation flow.

Read the Journal

The Journal is central to an investigation.

Current Kinetic Games updates continue to improve how evidence and ghost selections are displayed inside it.

Do Not Guess a Ghost Immediately

Collect enough reliable information before committing to a type.

Find the Active Area

Early investigation usually involves locating the part of the map where the ghost is producing activity.

Look for:

• Interactions.
• Sounds.
• Temperature changes where relevant.
• Equipment responses.

Do Not Place Every Item in the First Room You Enter

Move equipment toward the area where actual activity is occurring.

Evidence Equipment

Phasmophobia's equipment system includes several tools used to test for different kinds of evidence.

Kinetic Games' current equipment terminology includes systems such as:

• D.O.T.S.
• Ultraviolet.
• Spirit Box.
• Video Camera.
• Other evidence and investigation tools.

Equipment Tiers

Kinetic Games' Ascension update introduced equipment tiers and an upgrade progression system.

Higher tiers may change:

• Range.
• Reliability.
• Ease of use.
• Other tool properties.

Do Not Assume a Tier 1 Tool Is Useless

Early equipment may require more careful positioning or patience, but it is still part of normal progression.

D.O.T.S.

Kinetic Games reworked D.O.T.S. so ghosts with this evidence can enter a temporary D.O.T.S. state rather than simply producing a static duplicate-style visual.

Watch the Tool, Not Only the Room

Evidence may require the right angle, placement and timing.

Ultraviolet

Kinetic Games renamed the broader evidence category from Fingerprints to Ultraviolet as equipment and evidence behavior expanded.

Do not assume every UV interaction is exactly the same type of mark.

Video Evidence

Current 2026 updates continue to refine Video Camera evidence recording and feedback.

Use cameras where they have a useful view of the active investigation area.

Journal Evidence

The Journal lets you record evidence and narrow possible ghost types.

Kinetic Games' current 2026 update also allows multiplayer Journal evidence and ghost selections to be visible between players.

Do Not Cross Out Evidence Carelessly

Failing to see evidence once does not automatically prove it cannot exist.

Consider:

• Equipment tier.
• Placement.
• Ghost location.
• Difficulty settings.

Sanity

Sanity is a major investigation resource.

As sanity changes, danger can increase depending on the ghost and difficulty.

Watch Sanity Information

Kinetic Games' current player-character system includes a watch capable of displaying player sanity when the Sanity Monitor is enabled.

Sanity Medication

Kinetic Games' current terminology uses Sanity Medication for equipment previously represented through older pill-style naming.

Use it according to the contract situation rather than consuming it immediately.

Lights and Safe Investigation

Maintain enough visibility and situational awareness to navigate quickly if danger begins.

Know Hiding Options Early

Before provoking the ghost or spending a long time deep in the building, identify where you could move during a hunt.

Do Not Wait for a Hunt to Learn the Map

Exploration is safer before panic begins.

Hunts

During a hunt, survival becomes the priority.

Move toward a planned hiding route and avoid exposing yourself unnecessarily.

Electronic Equipment

Some ghost behaviors and hunt interactions can involve electronic equipment.

Learn current in-game behavior rather than depending on an obsolete guide from an older version.

Communication

In multiplayer, communicate:

• Ghost activity.
• Evidence found.
• Sanity concerns.
• Where equipment has been placed.
• Potential hiding locations.

Do Not Duplicate Every Task

Divide investigation responsibilities so one player is not performing the same test another player has already completed.

Photos, Video and Sound Evidence

Kinetic Games has expanded investigation recording through its Chronicle and later quality-of-life updates.

These systems can provide additional contract value beyond simply identifying the ghost.

Do Not Risk the Entire Contract for One Optional Record

Evidence of the ghost type remains more important than unnecessary exposure for a bonus.

Leaving the Contract

Once the team has enough information and the remaining risk is not worth another test, leaving can be the correct decision.

Beginner Investigation Routine

1. Review the available equipment.
2. Identify likely ghost activity.
3. Move relevant evidence tools into the area.
4. Record confirmed evidence in the Journal.
5. Monitor sanity and hunt risk.
6. Know a hiding route.
7. Recheck uncertain evidence before crossing it out.
8. Leave once the investigation is sufficiently resolved.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Guessing the ghost immediately.
• Placing equipment in the wrong room and never moving it.
• Crossing out evidence after one failed attempt.
• Ignoring sanity.
• Learning hiding spots only after a hunt begins.
• Risking death for low-value optional evidence.

Bottom Line

Phasmophobia is an investigation first and a survival game second. Find the active area, test evidence carefully, use the Journal, manage sanity and always know how you will survive if the investigation turns into a hunt.