Every Sunday evening, I play Phamophobia with my friend from Canada. We boot up Discord, I crack open a can of craft beer (I’m really into craft beers at the moment — yes, I have a beard), and we put our game faces on. Now, we’ve been playing on and off for several years at this point, but for those who are just joining the ghost-hunting sensation, there are some things you may want to know beforehand.
First off: there are ghosts. This is hardly mind-blowing information. Even if you haven’t played the game, you’re probably vaguely familiar with the concept. However, it’s important to know that there are several ghosts you’ll encounter over the course of your investigations. Not only that, but they have different characteristics to help you identify a specific one.
So if you’re new to Phasmophobia, or you’re getting back into it for the recent Easter 2024 event, consider this guide a bit of a cheat sheet for all the possible ghosts you can identify.
Banshee
Typically noted for their wailing screech, these ghosts are often depicted in popular culture as creepy girls or women with gaping mouths. Because of the screaming.
One key trait of a Banshee is its distinctive screech. Using the parabolic microphone, it’s possible to pick up this scream (directly into your ears. Splendid). However, it’s not a guarantee, with around a 33% chance of a scream being heard, but if you do hear it, yep: that’s a banshee.
They also typically target one particular player, so be on the lookout for one member of your party being singled out.
Evidence
- Ultraviolet
- Ghost orb
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Demon
The dreaded Demon. This is definitely one of the ghosts you hope is not the subject of your investigation. An absolute staple in horror, demonic beings are the type to make even those of no faith make considerable changes to their underwear budget. They’re fierce ne’er-do-wells, is what I’m saying.
Phasmophobia‘s Demons are no better. They’re the ones most players dread. Whereas most other ghosts will have the common decency to wait until your sanity is down to a certain threshold, these ass-baskets can initiate a hunt at any point. Yes, I’ve literally walked into a home to start the investigation only to have the door immediately slam behind me.
However, to balance this poop-inducing ability, the range of the crucifix is 50% larger than for other ghosts. So you got that going for you.
Evidence
- Ultraviolet
- Ghost writing
- Freezing temperatures
Hunts at: whenever the hell it feels like it.
Deogen
The first on this list that many may not be too familiar with. In legend, the Deogen (sometimes spelled “De Ogen”) is of Belgian descent, said to haunt the Sonian Forest. However, in this case, they’ve chosen to hang around the confines of a pretty lush, suburban household.
These spirits can be almost as deadly as a Demon, in that they know where the player is hiding during a hunt. Be on the listen for footsteps that are much faster than normal, as this probably means your hiding spot has been compromised. Conversely, they’ll walk slowly when near their victims.
Feeling brave? If so, you can identify a Deogen by its “flicker” when it appears for a hunt. When “deo” thy see, longer visibility thar be, if the old saying is to be believed.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ghost writing
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 40% sanity.
Goryo
Similar to a Banshee, a Goryo (sometimes written out as “Goryō”) is said to be a vengeful ghost of Japanese origin. In Phasmophobia, there is actually a very neat way to immediately identify whether you have this ghost type on your hands.
See, a Goryo will show itself via the D.O.T.S. projector. However, they’ll only be visible through a camera lens or screen. When playing by yourself, if you hold the video camera in the direction of the D.O.T.S. (but not too close) and you see the ghost through the viewfinder but not with your own eyes, you’ve got ’em.
They also don’t typically wander too far from their favorite room, so that should help you focus in on one area.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Ultraviolet
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Hantu
Here we move into more Indonesian territory, with a ghost that – according to folklore – may not always be malevolent. However, what sort of ghost hunting horror game would it be if there was a friendly spirit?
Hantu’s are noted for having an aversion to lights, which means it’s more than likely to turn the breaker itself off. It will also never turn the breaker on, either.
They also love the cold, and can be identified during a hunt by the foggy breath that’s emitted near its head. On the opposite end of this, they move a lot slower in warm areas during a hunt. When it begins to roam, you may notice the speed of its footsteps change as it moves from a colder room to a warmer one.
Evidence
- Ghost orb
- Freezing temperatures
- Ultraviolet
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Jinn
The Jinn is of Islamic folklore, but many of us in the west typically know them as the Genie. But you won’t be granted any wishes when this spirit comes a-knockin’ in Phasmophobia. Not even if one of your wishes is, “I wish I wasn’t being killed by a Jinn right now.”
These spectral pieces-of-work are known to be quite speedy during hunts, but only when the fuse box is on, it has line-of-sight of its target, and it’s more than three meters away.
Also, unlike the Hantu, a Jinn will never turn the breaker off, but there is a chance it can lower a player’s sanity quite dramatically while showing EMF 2 or EMF 5 at said breaker. Lots to think about there.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Ultraviolet
- Freezing temperatures
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Mare
As in “night-mare?” According to the myth: yes, absolutely. This spirit is the reason we may wake up in a cold sweat in our beds. Now you know who to blame when you have terrifying dreams about bumping into your old principal in the local Fuddruckers while you have no clothes on. And your principal is now a clown.
Not too dissimilar to a Hantu, a Mare prefers the soothing embrace of darkness, so it is likely to switch any lights off that have been turned on. Incensed with lighting, it even has a higher chance of exploding light bulbs. However, it can still turn the TV on.
As a result, a Mare can initiate a hunt at a slightly higher sanity level in a dark room, so turning lights on can help keep you safe for a bit longer. But be warned, the ghost can immediately turn lights off as soon as you switch them on.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ghost orb
- Ghost writing
Hunts at: 60% sanity with lights off, and 40% with lights on (NOTE: once the 40% threshold has been reached, turning lights on won’t reduce the chance of a Mare hunt).
Moroi
I’m never quite sure how to pronounce this: M’roy, Mo-rah, Mo-row-ee? Whatever. These are actually vampire ghosts from Romanian folklore, but they won’t suck your blood and go “blah.” They do, however, suck to encounter in the game.
The Moroi in Phasmophobia feeds on weakness. Essentially, the lower a player’s sanity is, the faster this spirit is during hunts. However, this can be rectified by taking sanity pills. But you’re still in the midst of a hunt, so you’re not out of the woods yet (unless you’re not in the woods to begin with, but I digress). It can also curse the player (intensify sanity drainage) if they hear a response using the spirit box or through the parabolic microphone.
You can, however, subdue an advancing Moroi by using incense, which makes it so it can’t see the player for longer than with other ghosts (7.5 seconds instead of the usual 5).
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ghost writing
- Freezing temperatures
Hunts at: 50% sanity, but will move quicker as sanity becomes lower.
Myling
It’s become pretty evident so far that there are many more different types of ghosts in myths and legends than a lot of us initially suspected. The Myling comes from Scandinavia and is a ghost of the child killed by its parents. Charming. Also, it’s pronounced “mew-leeng,” apparently. I literally just found that out. I’ve been making a fool of myself this whole time.
When trying to identify a Myling in Phasmophobia, an easy method (like with a lot of ghosts) is to listen out for its footsteps during a hunt. I say listen out, as these ghost types are quieter than others, so fainter steps and vocal sounds are a good indicator.
They also make more frequent paranormal sounds, which can be picked up through the parabolic mic. Don’t always count on this method though, but it is at least one more trait of a Myling.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Ultraviolet
- Ghost writing
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Obake
We return to Japan for this one. The Obake is said to be a type of Yokai (more on these later) and are notable for being shape-shifters. If you’re wondering whether the Phasmophobia team did their homework for this ghost type, you’d be right on the money.
Yes, just like in folklore, this specter can change its form. When hunting, if you notice the ghost model change during the ghost’s flicker, you’re right in Obake territory. However, it’s not always a guarantee, but there are other things beside the usual evidence you can look out for.
Perhaps the most famous of this is its ultraviolet imprint. During an investigation, if you notice a handprint that has six digits instead of the usual five, you absolutely have an Obake. Again, it won’t always happen. It’s something like a one in six chance. See also: two fingerprints on a light switch instead of one.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Ultraviolet (natch)
- Ghost orb
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Oni
According to the myth (yes, it’s from Japan), Onis are hulking figures that may have horns, tusks, and/or sharp claws. Is anyone else immediately picturing the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park? Much like the Obake above, these are also types of Yokai (again, we’ll get to them).
In Phasmophobia, the Oni is more active when players are nearby, so if there’s a bunch of you in the room and things start flying off the shelves, it could be something other than your typical Poltergeist. Speaking of ghost events, they also don’t do that weird thing where you see a small bit of mist floating by followed by a loud, breathy vocal sound. You know the one I’m talking about.
During a hunt, Onis also have a chance to appear in full for longer periods, meaning their flickering is shorter. So many of these identifiable traits seem to involve standing and looking at ghosts as they hunt, it seems.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Freezing temperatures
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Onryo
This might be just me and my friend, but we often refer to these as “onion rings.” Because of the name, you see (please don’t leave). I mentioned earlier how the Banshee was the type of thing you might see in the Grudge. Well, in fact, the Onryo is closer to this type of ghost. Sorry to be a tease like that.
As you may have gathered from the image above, identifying an Onryo can be done using a flame. An Onryo is more likely to extinguish a lit candle. However, doing so can initiate a hunt, but the use of a flame itself can pacify the ghost making it less likely to hunt. Go figure.
Basically, it’s worth being cautious of how effective you want this startegy to be. Some might say going into a house that’s haunted by a dangerous spirit is not worth the risk at all. But they’re not you though, amirite? Onryo’s can also hunt at a higher sanity threshold than other ghosts, so be wary of that.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ghost orb
- Freezing temperatures
Hunts at: 60% sanity.
Phantom
A classic of any haunted house story. The Phantom is not just for operas or pregnancies. Although they can often be interpreted as being a dreamlike ghost, which sounds quite nice in a weird way. But the one in Phasmo is more deadly than you might think.
For starters, it will drain your sanity quite significantly if you look directly at it. The Phantom also appears to be quite shy, in that it doesn’t show up in photos, but taking a photo of it during a hunt will make it disappear temporarily, though you may still be able to hear it.
Having said that, if one of your objectives is to capture a photograph of the ghost, it will still count, even though you won’t be able to see it in the image itself. Also, a Phantom may be invisible (i.e. the amount of time between flickers) for longer during a hunt.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ultraviolet
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Poltergeist
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, if you’ve ever seen an object fall over apparently of its own volition, chances are you’ve thought, “oh no. A poltergeist. Who am I going to call?” The Enfield haunting (which the film The Conjuring 2 is based on) is probably the most famous Poltergeist story in British history, so it’s not surprising it’s in Phasmophobia.
As you would expect, this ghost type is known for interacting with objects, sometimes even more than one. During a hunt, you’ll also likely notice all manner of items being thrown about hither and thither and yon, to the tune of one ever 0.5 seconds.
One tip is to build what some may call a “polty pile.” This involves gathering a selection of objects and building a small pile in the ghost room. If you witness them being thrown about with wreckless abandon, chances are it’s a Poltergeist. However, it’s worth saying that other ghosts can also interacte with the environment, so further detective work may still be needed.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ultraviolet
- Ghost writing
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Raiju
With a name that means “thunder beasts,” the Raiju could well be the Thor of the ghost world. Expect it definitely isn’t. It’s (you guessed it) a Japanese spirit that is said to fall down from the sky on a lightning bolt during thunderstorms. So way better than Thor, in fact.
It won’t surprise you, therefore, that Raijus are known to interfere with electronics. Now, other ghosts can do similar, but this one does so from further away, disrupting equipment from 15 meters instea of ten. It also siphons power to increase its speed and aggression. Someone get Mr. Marvel on the phone, stat.
Additionally, it can initiate a hunt at a higher sanity threshold when near electronic equipment. You might have to become a bit more luddite with this one. Go a bit analog. Bit old school.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Ghost orb
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 65% when near electronic equipment, but 50% otherwise.
Revenant
We’re in the big leagues now, peeps (do people still say “peeps”?). Deriving from the French verb “to return,” a Revenant is often depicted as a revived corpse. It’s not quite the same as a zombie, but it certainly seems to share similar charactertistics.
In any case, much like the Demon, Revenants are feared by a lot of Phasmo players. Noted for its violent tendencies, it will absolutely make a beeline for any player it catches in its sights during hunts. This not only makes it dangerous, but pretty terrifying as well.
However, if there’s one saving grace, it will walk quite slowly when it’s not actively targeting a player, so hiding is probably your best weapon in this regard. You utter, utter coward.
Evidence
- Ghost orb
- Ghost writing
- Freezing temperatures
hunts at: 50% sanity.
Shade
Residing within the underworld, Shades are simply the spirit of a dead person. They’re familiar in a lot of cultures and have appeared in notable classic texts, such as Homer’s Odyssey and Dante’s Divine Comedy. There. I bet you didn’t think you’d get a quick lesson in literature when you started reading this.
Anyone familiar with Phasmophobia will probably feel a sense of relief when they hear about the Shade, especially in counter to the Revenant. One thing to note about these is they are known for being shy, which can make identifying them a bit more difficult.
They are also quite forgiving, in that they don’t enter a hunt state when people are nearby. This means you’re likely to have an easier time during an investigation. A good rule of thumb we use is: if you’ve been investigating for some time and there’s been little to no activity, there’s a good chance it’s a Shade.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Ghost writing
- Freezing temperatures
Hunts at: 35% sanity.
Spirit
We often use the term “spirit” interchangably with “ghost.” I’ve been guilty of it myself in this article. This is very much the bread and butter of the spectral world, to the point where it’s basically the default in Phasmophobia.
The unique thing about the Spirit is that it doesn’t actually have any distinctive traits. You could get into a socialogical argument about whether the absense of any notable charactertics is, in its own sense, a charactertistic. To that end, if you notice the ghost does not have any special behaviour, you may have a Spirit on your hands.
One way you can check is with incense. When used in the ghost room, it will prevent the Spirit from going into a hunt for 180 blissful seconds (double what it normally is). However, outside that, you have nothing to go on. Well, except all the obvious evidence, of course.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Spiri box
- ghost writing
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Thaye
Despite hearing people refer to it as a “tie,” I have it on good authority that it’s actually pronounced “thuh-yeh.” Don’t say you never learn anything from my articles. These are known to be disembodied spirits that hail from Mayanmar folklore, often said to appear either at noon or night. I suppose it depends on how long they’ve slept in.
Thayes are very unique to Phasmophobia in that they actually age the longer the investigation goes on. This means their behaviour can be different depening on how much time has passed. They will start off being quite aggressive with a greater chance of hunting at a higher sanity threshold, but will become weaker as your investigation goes on.
You should be able to check this if the location has a Ouija board. The ghost will give an older response when asked its age. However, that way madness lies, so just be wary of a decrease in activity and aggression.
Evidence
- Ghost orb
- Ghost writing
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 75% sanity to begin with, but goes as low as 15% over time.
The Mimic
As you’ve noticed, I’ve been making use of these opening paragraphs to fill you in one some of the folklore behind Phasmophobia‘s ghosts. But there doesn’t apppear to be anything about this one’s cultural significance or country of origin. So let’s just sit in silence until the next paragraph.
That was fast. As the name suggests, the Mimic is a tricksy character. As such, it’s capable of imitating the behavior of other ghosts. While this makes it a lot more unpredictable, astute ghost hunters who notice a difference in patterns and charactertistics may be able to identify a Mimic.
However, there is a simpler solution. See, this ghost type is the only one in the game that actually leaves four pieces of evidence. It’s kind of a well-known secret, if you will, so if you notice a ghost orb despite marking down three other types of evidence…boom. Mimic.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ultraviolet
- Freezing temperatures
- Ghost orb (secret evidence)
Hunts at: 50% sanity
The Twins
Much like the Mimic, there isn’t really any IRL lore surrounding the Twins. What you can probably deduce from the name alone is that it’s actually two ghosts in one complete package. Bonus fact: I’m a twin in real life. Is that an interesting fact? Not really. But it’s true, and isn’t that the real treasure here? (The answer is no)
In Phasmo, a huge charactertistic of the Twins is its (their) ability to interact with the environment in different rooms simultaneously. As such, on larger maps especially, it can be easy to get confused about which room the ghost(s) is in. That can work to your advantage, as noticing things move in one room but also in another, much further room, most likely means it’s the Twins.
Another way is through the hunt (isn’t is always). Basically, one hunt will come with slow footsteps, while the next one will be faster. Given this, it just takes two hunts to narrow down this ghost type if you’re unsure.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Spirit box
- Freezing
Hunts at: 50% sanity. It should be noted that evidence is only found in one of the rooms, not both rooms where the ghosts are active in.
Wraith
Another classic in the gost world. The Wraith is can be depicted in numerous forms, though often looks more creepy than something like a typical Spirit. Think the one from Dead by Daylight or the Ringwraiths from the Lord of the Rings series. Yeah, that’s the stuff.
One thing that often typifies this ghost type is its ability to fly. As such, if you’re wondering whether you’re dealing with one in Phasmophoia, just put a bit of salt down. The Wraith here does not leave a trace of a footprint, so an indisturbed salt pile is one of your biggest clues.
Having said that, its ghost model doesn’t float, which means waiting for it to manifest won’t help you out. However, there is a possibility of it teleporting across the map at random, which will often give an EMF 2 or EMF 5 reading.
Evidence
- EMF 5
- Spirit box
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
Yokai
I mentioned this ghost type earlier. In Japanese folklore (yes, we’re back to that), a Yokai is a broad term that can explain a number of paranormal phenomnon, including ghosts and other apparitions. With a name that means “strange apparition,” it’s not just a moniker, it’s a basic description.
This one is rather sensitive to sounds, especially voices. Whenever you attempt to talk to a Yokai, you increase the chance of it becoming more active. Imagine an entity getting increasingly aggressive the more you talk at it, but enough about my family (oh, I got jokes)!
During a hunt, it will only really be senitive to a voice when it’s close by. I’ve watched videos of people calling out the ghost’s name only for it to seemingly ignore the player, leaving them to verify it with confidence as a Yokai. It is, however, capable of hunting at a much higher sanity level than other ghosts.
Evidence
- Spirit box
- Ghost orb
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 80% sanity. That’s almost Demon levels of aggression.
Yurei
Yurei appear to be quite choosy about their hauntings, often opting for a specific location at a specific time. Basically, there’s a lot of crossover it seems between this, the Obake, the Yokai, and the Banshee.
In Phasmophobia, however, there are ways to distinguish it from other apparitions. For example, a Yurei may shut the main (exit) door of a location, even when it’s not hunting or initiating an event. The same goes for closing any other door fully.
You can also “trap” a Yurei by smudging it with the incense at its place of death (i.e. the ghost room). On the downside, it will also have a greater effect on sanity, so be careful when in the vicinity of a door that suddenly slams shut.
Evidence
- Ghost orb
- Freezing temperatures
- D.O.T.S.
Hunts at: 50% sanity.
