Kinetic Games has announced that the full 1.0 release of its popular ghost-hunting game Phasmophobia has been delayed to 2027. The studio cited a commitment to prioritizing quality over speed for the extended development timeline, aiming to deliver on its vision for the game's comprehensive launch.
The move comes after feedback on the recent 'Player Character Update,' which Kinetic Games admitted "missed the mark" and did not meet player expectations. In response, the team has refined its roadmap to focus on substantial improvements and content additions.
The reworked Willow Street map is scheduled for release on July 21st, featuring updated room layouts, adjusted hiding spots, and integrated lore. This update will also introduce improvements to player character models, animations, and customization options. Following this, two major quality-of-life updates are planned, alongside the game's migration to the Unity 6 engine. Fan-favorite seasonal events, such as Crimson Eye and Winter's Jest, are also set to return, with the Edgefield map rework slated for December.
When Phasmophobia's 1.0 version eventually launches in 2027, it will feature an overhaul of ghost models, introducing unique appearances, animations, and backstories for each spectral entity. The update also plans to deepen the game's lore through environmental storytelling and ghost-specific narrative elements that connect them to their haunting locations. Planned enhancements include new weather systems, spatial audio improvements, and more immersive investigation mechanics.
Phasmophobia initially entered early access in 2020. Kinetic Games has grown from a small team to over 50 employees, allowing for continuous development and improvement based on community feedback. The studio emphasized its dedication to refining the co-op horror experience to meet the high standards players expect.