Phasmophobia: Leveling and Progression Guide

Understanding Experience Points#

In Phasmophobia, experience points (XP) are key to leveling up and unlocking new gear, maps, and challenges. Let’s break down how you earn XP and what you need to know to make the most of your ghost-hunting adventures.

The Basics of Earning XP#

XP is earned by completing various tasks and objectives during your investigations. The primary source of XP in Phasmophobia comes from successfully identifying the ghost type. Here’s a quick breakdown of how you can earn XP:

Correctly Identifying the Ghost: This always nets you the most XP. The exact amount varies with difficulty—more on that below.
Objectives: Completing the optional objectives on your whiteboard adds extra XP. These usually include things like getting an EMF reading or capturing a photo of the ghost.
Photos: Taking clear photos of paranormal activity, such as ghost interactions or evidence, rewards additional XP.
Bonus Actions: Other actions like finding the bone and snapping a picture of it or using the Ouija board can also yield a nice XP boost.

Difficulty Levels and XP Multipliers#

Phasmophobia offers several difficulty levels: Amateur, Intermediate, Professional, and Nightmare. Each raises the stakes but also increases your potential XP payout.

Amateur: This is the easiest level, designed for new players. It’s more forgiving but offers the least amount of XP.
Intermediate: A step up in difficulty. The ghosts are more active, and you get a decent bump in XP for your troubles.
Professional: Things get serious here. The game offers no preparation time, and the ghost is very aggressive, but the XP gains are substantial.
Nightmare: The ultimate challenge. This mode adds new twists and the highest XP rewards, but the risks are immense.

Tips to Maximize Your XP Earnings#

To climb the ranks quickly and make the most out of each session, keep the following strategies in mind:

Prioritize Safety: You get zero XP if you die, so always have an escape plan. Stick together with your team and use crucifixes, smudge sticks, and sanity pills.
Focus On Objectives: Knock out as many objectives as possible. Even if you don’t identify the ghost, completing multiple objectives can still result in a good chunk of XP.
Use Your Tools: The more evidence you gather, the easier it is to identify the ghost and finalize your objectives. Use your gear wisely—EMF readers, spirit boxes, and thermometers are your best friends.
Play in Groups: Teaming up with friends isn’t just more fun; it’s safer and increases your efficiency in tackling objectives and surviving hunts.
Document Everything: Take lots of photos. Even if some turn out to be duds, those that capture genuine paranormal activity can add a significant amount of XP to your haul.

Endgame XP and Beyond#

As you advance into higher levels, you’ll unlock more advanced gear and maps, allowing you to tackle trickier hunts and earn even more XP. Keep experimenting with different strategies and setups to find what works best for you and your team.

Remember, Phasmophobia is as much about having a good time and getting spooked as it is about grinding XP. Work together, communicate, and most importantly, have fun chasing those phantoms!

Best Activities for Gaining XP#

If you’re diving into Phasmophobia and aiming to climb the ranks quickly, understanding how to maximize your XP gains is essential. This guide will break down the best activities for racking up those experience points and getting you to the higher levels - where the real spooky fun begins.

1. Completing Objectives#

The primary way to earn XP in Phasmophobia is by completing the objectives laid out in your journal at the start of each game. These include:

Discover the ghost type: Identifying the ghost type is worth a big chunk of XP. Use your EMF reader, spirit box, and other tools to gather evidence and make your guess.
Witnessing a ghost event: Did you see the ghost flicker the lights or throw an object? Those spine-tingling moments count towards your XP.
Prevent the ghost from hunting with a crucifix: Carrying a crucifix can save you and your teammates from a deadly hunt and nets extra points.
Discovering and using cursed items: These are risky but often rewarding in terms of XP.

Bringing a checklist and ticking off each objective can significantly boost your XP accrued from a single match.

2. Daily and Weekly Challenges#

Phasmophobia offers daily and weekly challenges that can substantially increase your XP earnings. These challenges may require you to:

Find a bone evidence in 5 different hunts: Bones are scattered around the haunted locations, and collecting them is a reliable way to boost your experience.
Survive a hunt in multiple locations: Surviving while the ghost is actively hunting you is no small feat, but it’s highly rewarding.
Complete a certain number of objectives within a week: Completing the laid out goals consistently across multiple games wraps up a big XP bundle.

Checking your challenges before you start and aiming to complete them will streamline your efforts.

3. Optimal Ghost Identification Strategy#

Speedy and efficient ghost identification is key. The quicker you identify the ghost, the more time you have to complete other tasks and rake in the XP. Here are some steps to help:

Always use your EMF Reader as you enter the location: EMF readings can provide immediate clues without the need for significant interaction with the ghost.
Split the responsibilities: If you’re playing in multiplayer mode, assign roles (e.g., one person uses the thermometer, another carries the spirit box) to cover more ground quickly.
Use the journal effectively: Make notes in your journal as you find evidence to narrow down the ghost type without second-guessing.

4. Taking Photos#

Photography in Phasmophobia isn’t just for social media sharing; it’s a valuable XP source. Capturing important moments, like ghost events, bone evidence, and haunted objects, can boost your points substantially. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Photos of ghost interactions: Any visible ghost action, such as writing in the book or interacting with objects.
Dead bodies of teammates: Morbid as it seems, taking a picture of a fallen teammate adds to your XP haul.
Cursed possessions: Snapping pictures of these rarer items can give you a good XP boost. Be wary, though, as interacting with these items has its own risks.

5. Stay Alive#

An easy way to maximize XP is to, well, stay alive. Surviving the entire session ensures you don’t lose out on earned XP. Here are some survival tips:

Listen to the ghost’s hunt sounds: You’ll often hear distinct footsteps or vocal sounds when the ghost is hunting. This is the cue to hide.
Use closets and lockers: Always seek shelters like closets or lockers, and make sure to close the door behind you.
Don’t spam voice communication during hunts: The ghost can hear you through voice chat, so keeping quiet during these moments is crucial.

Conclusion#

By focusing on completing objectives, tackling daily and weekly challenges, optimizing your ghost identification strategy, snapping valuable photos, and ensuring your survival, you’ll be racking up XP in no time. The road to becoming a top-tier ghost hunter in Phasmophobia can be thrilling and efficient with the right approach.

Happy hunting!

Unlocking New Equipment and Maps#

In Phasmophobia, hunting ghosts gets a whole lot easier (or scarier) with new tools and locations. Progression is key in this game, meaning you need to level up to access more advanced gear and diverse maps. This guide will walk you through how to unlock everything and enhance your ghost-hunting experience.

Earning Experience Points (XP)#

First things first, to unlock new equipment and maps, you need to level up. Every action you take during an investigation helps you earn XP. Here are some of the main ways to rack up those points:

Completing Objectives: Each map comes with four objectives. Successfully completing them gains you a nice chunk of XP.
Identifying the Ghost: Properly identifying the ghost type gives you a big XP boost. This is the main task in every investigation.
Taking Photos: Snap pictures of ghostly evidence like fingerprints, dirty water, the ghost itself, and bones. They all reward XP.
Surviving the Hunt: If you make it out alive, you get a survival bonus. So, staying safe is not just good for your heart but also great for your XP gain.

Level Thresholds#

As you level up, new items and maps become available in the shop and on the mission board. Here’s a quick breakdown of some key level thresholds and what you can unlock:

Level 2: Thermometer – Essential for locating freezing temperatures.
Level 3: Sound Sensor – Helps track ghost activity through sound.
Level 5: Infrared Light Sensor – Detects movement to help pinpoint ghost location.
Level 6: Various sanity pills, stronger flashlights, and tripods.
Level 8: Head-Mounted Camera – Keeps your hands free and lets teammates see what you see.
Level 10: New maps added to mission selection.

Unlocking New Maps#

As you progress, new locations will become available, adding variety and more complex challenges to your ghost hunts. Each map has its own unique layout and quirks. Here’s how to unlock them:

Tanglewood Street House: Available from the start. This small, simple house is great for beginners.
Edgefield Street House: Unlocked at Level 3. Similar to Tanglewood but a bit more challenging.
Ridgeview Road House: Unlocked at Level 6. Slightly larger with more rooms to investigate.
Grafton Farmhouse: Unlocked at Level 10. This map ramps up the creepy factor with its rural setting.
Bleasdale Farmhouse: Also unlocked at Level 10. Another rural map, offering a different layout from Grafton.
Brownstone High School: Unlocked at Level 15. This large map introduces more complex environments.
Asylum: Unlocked at Level 20. The biggest and most complex map, perfect for veteran ghost hunters.

Shopping for New Gear#

Once you hit the required level, it’s time to shop! Head to the equipment store in your lobby. New items will have a level requirement displayed next to them. Don’t forget, you earn money from successful hunts which you’ll need to buy this gear. Prioritize essentials like thermometers and stronger flashlights before splurging on extras.

Tip: Always have a mix of equipment in your loadout. Balancing between investigative tools (EMF Reader, Spirit Box) and defensive items (Crucifix, Smudge Sticks) increases your chances of both identifying the ghost and surviving the hunt.

Keeping the Fun Alive#

Levelling up in Phasmophobia is not just about grinding away. Make it fun by teaming up with friends and varying your equipment and maps. The thrill of unlocking new tools and discovering new hauntings will keep the game fresh and exciting.

So, gear up, get hunting, and watch those levels climb. Time to show those ghosts who’s boss!

Managing In-Game Currency in Phasmophobia#

In Phasmophobia, managing your in-game currency, called “money” or sometimes referred to as “cash,” is crucial for gearing up and being prepared for those spine-tingling ghost hunts. If you’ve ever wondered how to get rich in the game’s creepy world, or what you should spend your hard-earned cash on, we’ve got you covered.

Earning Money: The Basics#

The main way to earn money in Phasmophobia is by completing contracts and achieving objectives. Here’s a breakdown of how you can maximize your earnings:

Main Objectives: These are your bread and butter. Successfully identifying the type of ghost will net you a nice sum of cash. Don’t skip these!
Side Objectives: These objectives can be challenging but they’re worth the effort. Tasks like taking a photo of ghost activity, finding dirty water in a sink, or using the crucifix to prevent a hunt will all add extra cash to your wallet.
Daily Challenges: Logging in every day might reward you with some fresh challenges. These tasks usually offer a good chunk of money and experience points (XP).
Photos: Taking photos of ghostly interactions, like bones or cursed objects, also adds to your bank. Aim to snap high-quality shots in well-lit areas to maximize your earnings.

Spending Wisely: Gear Up without Going Broke#

So, now that you have a nice stash of cash, what should you buy? Here’s where smart spending comes into play:

Essential Equipment: Invest in items you’ll need the most, such as the EMF Reader, Spirit Box, and Ghost Writing Book. These are the backbone of any investigation.
Safety First: Consider purchasing Smudge Sticks, Crucifixes, and Sanity Pills. They may not help directly in finding the ghost, but they’ll keep you and your team safe during hunts.
Lighting Tools: Flashlights are pretty basic, but once you have extra cash, upgrade to a Strong Flashlight. It’s a game-changer.
Specialty Items: When you’ve got cash to spare, stock up on items like the Parabolic Microphone, Motion Sensor, and Thermometer. These gadgets make finding ghosts faster and a lot less scary.

Playing with a group? Pool your resources. Coordinating who buys what can save everyone money. For example:

Distribute Gear: Have one teammate invest in detection gear while another stocks up on safety items.
Share Responsibilities: If someone dies and loses gear, they shouldn’t be the only ones restocking next round. Spread the cost among the team to lighten the financial blow.

Budgeting and Saving: Plan for the Future#

It’s tempting to spend all your money as soon as you get it, but holding back a bit can save you a headache. Here’s how to budget:

Emergency Fund: Always keep a little cash in reserve. You never know when you’ll have an unlucky streak and need to replace lost gear.
Prioritize Purchases: Focus on buying items that will directly help you complete more objectives and earn more money.

Pro Tips: Big Returns on Small Investments#

Insurance: If you die during a hunt, you’ll lose your bought gear but gain a small insurance payout. While it’s not ideal, it’s better than nothing.
Reuse Items: Some items like Smudge Sticks and Salt can last through multiple hunts if used sparingly. Make use of these wisely to stretch your dollar.

Final Thoughts#

Managing your in-game currency in Phasmophobia is all about balancing risk and reward. By strategically earning and spending your money, you’ll not only survive more hunts but thrive in them.

Ready to face those ghosts with a fully stocked arsenal? Now get out there and show those spooky specters who’s boss!

Tips for Efficient Progression#

In the spooky world of Phasmophobia, climbing the levels quickly isn’t just about surviving ghost hunts—it’s about mastering strategies that maximize your earnings and experience points (XP). Here’s a deep dive into pro-tips that can help you level up swiftly while keeping your wits about you.

Choose the Right Contracts#

Not all ghost-hunting gigs are created equal. Selecting the right contracts can make a significant difference in your progression.

Low-Level Maps for Beginners: Start with smaller maps like Tanglewood Street House or Edgefield Street House. They’re easier to navigate and have fewer rooms to search.
Bigger Maps for Experienced Players: Once you’re comfortable, try larger maps like Brownstone High School or the Asylum. They offer more potential for gathering evidence and completing objectives but watch out for the increased difficulty.

Gather Evidence Quickly#

Time spent in haunted locations can be risky. Efficiently gathering evidence can save time and boost your rewards.

Teamwork is Key: Split up roles among your team. For instance, one player can set up cameras, another can use EMF readers, and someone else can use the Spirit Box.
Use Equipment Wisely: Place video cameras in key locations early on. Use your thermometer to identify cold spots quickly, indicating possible ghost-presence.
Listen for Clues: Pay attention to in-game audio cues like footsteps, door creaks, or disembodied voices. They can guide you to the ghost’s room faster.

Complete Side Objectives#

Don’t just focus on identifying the ghost; side objectives can be lucrative.

Optional Challenges: These can include things like getting a photo of the ghost, witnessing a ghost event, or using items like the Crucifix effectively. Each completed objective boosts your XP and money.
Evidence Photos: Snap photos of evidence such as dirty water, fingerprints, or bone evidence. They add up to your final rewards in cash and XP.

Manage Your Inventory#

Investing wisely in your equipment can be the difference between a successful hunt and a disastrous one.

Prioritize Essential Gear: Always bring the essentials—strong flashlight, EMF Reader, Thermometer, and a Video Camera. As you earn more money, invest in higher-tier equipment like the Parabolic Microphone and Sound Sensors.
Insurance: Higher risks often lead to higher rewards but losing all your gear can set you back. Make sure you always have enough cash saved for essential gear replacements.

Sanity Management#

Keeping your sanity high can be a lifesaver, literally. The lower your sanity, the more aggressive the ghost becomes.

Stay in the Light: Stick to well-lit areas or use candles to help maintain your sanity.
Sanity Pills: Keep these handy, especially on larger maps or during longer hunts. They can replenish your sanity and give you more ‘hunt’-time.
Group Up: Stay close to your teammates to preserve your sanity. A singlet player’s sanity will drop faster.

Ghost Hunts and Safety#

Handling ghost hunts safely ensures long-term progression without unnecessary setbacks.

Escape Routes: Familiarize yourself with hiding spots and always keep an eye out for escape routes.
Stay Quiet: When the ghost starts hunting, stay silent and turn off your electronics to avoid detection.
Don’t Provoke Unnecessarily: Provoking the ghost can lead to more hunts and higher risks of dying, which can result in losing valuable equipment and time.

Optimal Behavior#

Consistently making good decisions and avoiding careless mistakes will help you level up efficiently.

Stay Calm: Panic leads to mistakes. Keep your cool to stay efficient and make better decisions.
Learn from Mistakes: Each ghost hunt is an opportunity to learn. Analyze what went wrong and what went right, and adjust your tactics accordingly.

By following these tips, you’ll not only survive more ghost hunts but also find yourself raking in the XP and money, climbing the levels faster than ever. Happy hunting, and may your ghost-finding be both spooky and spectacular!