Successfully identifying ghosts in Phasmophobia relies on gathering evidence, but the spectral entities often make this task perilous. Understanding how to prevent, escape, and survive ghost hunts is crucial for any investigator, as failure can lead to lost rewards and equipment. A successful hunt results in player death, rendering the victim an observer for the remainder of the contract, halving rewards, and potentially causing the loss of all equipped items.

Differentiating Ghost Events from Hunts

It is important to distinguish between ghost events and actual ghost hunts. Ghost events involve the apparition of a ghost without direct environmental interaction, though they can manifest in various ways such as appearing partially or fully, singing, or causing lights to flicker or shatter. These events can mimic the signs of a hunt, but key indicators differentiate a genuine hunt. During a hunt, all exit doors audibly lock and remain shut. Lights will flicker or dim rather than switch off entirely, and the ghost becomes visible after a two-to-five-second grace period following the door lock. The ghost's footsteps and a consistent hunting vocalization will be audible, alongside a heartbeat sound when within 10 meters or line of sight. Electronic equipment may also flicker within proximity. Ghost hunts are initiated from the ghost's current location, except for The Twins, and their duration varies based on difficulty and map size, typically lasting between 15 and 60 seconds. After a hunt concludes, exit doors reopen, and a cooldown period of 25 seconds (or 20 seconds for a Demon) prevents another hunt.

Cursed Hunts

Cursed hunts are a distinct type of paranormal activity, triggered by the use of cursed possessions. Unlike normal hunts, they can occur at any Sanity level, bypass hunt cooldowns, and feature a significantly shorter one-second grace period. Cursed hunts also last 20 seconds longer than standard hunts, and subsequent hunts, whether cursed or normal, will also be extended.

Preventing Ghost Hunts

The most effective survival strategy involves preventing hunts altogether. The set-up phase, active for the first two to five minutes on Amateur and Intermediate difficulties, prevents any hunting activity, offering new players a crucial window to prepare.

Maintaining Sanity

Keeping the team's average Sanity level high is paramount. Most ghosts can initiate hunts when the team's average Sanity falls below a specific threshold, typically 70 percent. Some ghosts, like the Demon, can hunt at any Sanity level, while others, such as the Obambo, have thresholds influenced by their current state. To combat Sanity drain, players should keep main lights on and utilize fire sources like the Firelight. If Sanity levels drop significantly, Sanity Medication can be used to restore them.

Utilizing Protective Equipment

The Crucifix is a key item for preventing hunts. When placed strategically to cover a room, it can stop a ghost from initiating a hunt within its active range. The ghost will burn the Crucifix instead and be prevented from hunting for 20 seconds. A Crucifix has limited uses, and once depleted, it offers no further protection. A Tier 3 Crucifix can prevent cursed hunts, provided it remains unburned.

Incense can also be used to prevent normal hunts, but not cursed ones. Lighting incense within three to five meters of the ghost, depending on its tier, will prevent a hunt for 90 seconds, or longer for specific ghost types like Spirits. However, Incense is a consumable item and may be needed for escape, so its use should be strategic.

Escaping and Surviving Ghost Hunts

If prevention fails, knowing how to survive a hunt is essential. Several methods can be employed, though not all may be available in every situation.

Hiding

Hiding is often the most reliable method for survival, as it breaks the ghost's line of sight. Players should familiarize themselves with official hiding spots such as lockers and closets, which are more numerous on lower difficulties. It is critical to turn off all electronic equipment before hiding, as the ghost can detect them. If the ghost opens a hiding spot door, it should be closed again or held shut.

When official hiding spots are unavailable, makeshift options like crouching behind furniture can suffice, provided they obscure the player from the ghost's view. Quietly occupying a small, distant room with the door closed is another option, though not foolproof. The Deogen ghost is notable for its ability to find players even when hidden effectively.

Running and Looping

If hiding is not an option and the ghost is approaching, players may need to run. Sprinting should be used in short bursts to manage a cooldown. The heartbeat sound indicates proximity, and the ghost may gain a speed boost if it gains line of sight. To evade, players should break line of sight by turning corners and using environmental objects. Looping, a technique involving circling large in-map objects or rooms, can maintain line of sight while preventing the ghost from closing the distance, though this is a risky tactic that requires practice.

Using Incense for Evasion

Incense can also serve as an escape tool. When a hunting ghost enters the Incense's effective radius, lighting it can blind the ghost, temporarily slowing or redirecting it. This provides a brief window of invulnerability during which the player can escape. Holding an Igniter and strategically using incense near a pursuing ghost can buy valuable seconds for evasion.

The Monkey Paw

As a last resort, the Monkey Paw cursed possession can be used to wish for the exit doors to open, allowing escape. However, this comes with significant drawbacks, including a temporary decrease in movement speed and obscured vision. Given these consequences, relying on other methods like hiding is generally preferable.