Phasmophobia

What is it?

Phasmophobia assigns players to paranormal investigation teams. Teams enter haunted buildings equipped with ghost-hunting equipment: EMF meters detect energy, thermal cameras reveal cold spots, salt traps reveal physical contact, and voice recorders capture ghost utterances. Each ghost type leaves different evidence signatures. By collecting evidence—ruling out possibilities through experimentation—players deduce which ghost type haunts the location. However, ghosts actively hunt investigators. Collecting too much evidence or aggravating spirits triggers hunts where the ghost becomes visible and deadly.

How it plays

Teams coordinate their investigation: splitting up covers ground faster but risks isolation during hunts; sticking together provides mutual protection but explores slower. Evidence collection drives progression: finding EMF 5, ghost orbs, or freezing temperatures narrows identity possibilities. A in-game journal helps track clues. When the ghost hunts, investigators must hide—under beds, in closets, or behind furniture. Holding breath while hiding makes silence possible; any sound triggers the ghost. The balance between information gathering and survival creates emergent tension.

Why it succeeded

Phasmophobia succeeded by making horror genuinely cooperative rather than competitive. Players must work together, communicate clearly, and plan together. The game respects players' time: rounds last 15-20 minutes, making it accessible despite being engaging. Content creators discovered Phasmophobia made excellent streaming material: group play creates natural humor, genuine fear provides entertainment, and gameplay variety keeps rounds from stale repetition. At 21 million copies despite being early access for years, it proved cooperation-focused games could achieve mainstream success.