Phasmophobia: Essential Equipment Upgrades to Get First
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize upgrading essential tools like the flashlight, EMF reader, and thermometer for a strategic advantage in ghost hunting.
- Equipment upgrades enhance your ability to gather evidence efficiently and increase survivability during hunts.
- Save in-game cash for crucial Tier 2 upgrades as they provide noticeable advantages over base items.
In Phasmophobia, every tool has its role, whether you’re gathering ghostly evidence, surviving hunts, or completing objectives for extra cash. However, with each new level, more powerful equipment upgrades become available, and with them, the cost. For players with limited funds, knowing which upgrades offer the most value early on is key to progressing efficiently. This guide will walk you through the best equipment upgrades to prioritize in Phasmophobia so you can make the most of your ghost-hunting journey.
1. Flashlight Tier 2 – Improved Visibility
Unlock Level: 19
Cost: $3,000
Why Upgrade: Offers medium intensity and a narrow spotlight.
The flashlight is your primary source of light in Phasmophobia, and the Tier 2 flashlight is the first upgrade you should grab if you can afford it. Unlike the base flashlight, this one provides better brightness, allowing you to see further and more clearly, even in darker environments. Upgrading also makes it easier to navigate large maps, and having extra flashlights around the area can help light up hiding spots or pathways during intense hunts.
2. EMF Reader Tier 2 – Enhanced Ghost Detection
Unlock Level: 20
Cost: $3,000
Why Upgrade: Includes an audio indicator and brighter lights for better visibility.
The EMF reader is one of the main tools for finding and confirming ghostly presence. Upgrading to Tier 2 significantly improves its usefulness. It comes with an audio signal that alerts you to ghost activity, which is helpful when moving around. The brighter lights make it easier to interpret readings in the dark, especially if you’re sprinting. Players can even leave an EMF reader on the ground in suspected areas to catch readings while completing other tasks.
3. Spirit Box Tier 2 – Increased Ghost Response
Unlock Level: 27
Cost: $3,000
Why Upgrade: Enhanced range, medium response rate, and a display screen.
Getting a Spirit Box response is notoriously challenging, but the Tier 2 upgrade can make it easier. With a 4-meter range and better response rates, this upgraded box is more likely to pick up ghostly voices. It also has a screen display showing a confirmation symbol when the ghost registers your questions. The display’s clarity, combined with an increased likelihood of a ghostly answer, makes it a crucial early upgrade for evidence gathering.
4. D.O.T.S. Projector Tier 2 – Broader Area Coverage
Unlock Level: 29
Cost: $3,000
Why Upgrade: Greater range with a placeable projector.
The D.O.T.S. Projector is useful for visualizing ghost movement, but the Tier 2 version is a game-changer. Instead of holding it, you can place it on walls, illuminating larger areas. This upgrade is especially helpful for bigger spaces, as you can watch for ghostly interactions from a distance. Place a camera nearby, and you can monitor from the van, making it both safer and more efficient.
5. Flashlight Tier 3 – Maximum Brightness and Coverage
Unlock Level: 35
Cost: $2,500
Why Upgrade: High-intensity light with a wide spotlight.
If you thought the Tier 2 flashlight was an improvement, the Tier 3 flashlight offers an even broader and brighter light. For navigating expansive maps with open spaces, like the high school or prison, this high-intensity flashlight can make all the difference. You’ll have better awareness and visibility in each room, reducing the chances of getting caught off-guard by ghostly apparitions.
6. Thermometer Tier 2 – Faster and More Accurate Readings
Unlock Level: 36
Cost: $3,000
Why Upgrade: Medium accuracy with quicker sample speeds.
Temperature is a major factor in ghost identification, and the base thermometer can be slow and unreliable. The Tier 2 thermometer provides much quicker and more accurate readings, making it ideal for confirming freezing temperatures as evidence or finding the ghost room faster. This tool’s accuracy is especially helpful on larger maps where you need to check many rooms efficiently.
Additional High-Value Upgrades to Consider
These upgrades may be unlocked a bit later, but they can provide substantial improvements to your Phasmophobia experience:
- D.O.T.S. Projector Tier 3 (Unlock at Level 60): With its extensive 7-meter range and scanning ability, the final D.O.T.S. upgrade lets you cover nearly an entire room. This is ideal for tracking ghosts that wander.
- EMF Reader Tier 3 (Unlock at Level 52): With greater accuracy, a distance indicator, and directional help, this EMF reader upgrade is incredibly helpful for pinpointing the ghost’s exact location.
- Ghost Writing Book Tier 3 (Unlock at Level 63): Provides a higher interaction rate and a stylish look, making it more likely that the ghost will leave writing evidence. Its 5-meter range is also beneficial for larger spaces.
- Thermometer Tier 3 (Unlock at Level 64): Delivers nearly instant readings, high accuracy, and temperature stability. It’s a must-have for experienced players looking to maximize efficiency.
How to Approach Equipment Upgrades
Phasmophobia’s upgrades are intended to provide incremental advantages, making it tempting to save up for the highest tier. However, many Tier 2 items provide a significant boost over the base versions, and they’re usually more affordable and accessible than the Tier 3 options. Focusing on Tier 2 upgrades early on will help players improve their ghost-hunting skills and efficiency while accumulating funds to later splurge on high-tier equipment.
FAQs
Q: What should I upgrade first in Phasmophobia?
A: Start with the Tier 2 Flashlight, EMF Reader, and Spirit Box. These items will enhance visibility and evidence collection, making them essential for new players.
Q: Are Tier 3 upgrades worth it?
A: Tier 3 upgrades are excellent but tend to be more expensive and unlock at higher levels. They’re best suited for players with a steady in-game income or those ready for extreme ghost-hunting.
Q: How can I earn money faster for upgrades?
A: Complete optional objectives, try harder difficulty levels, and maximize evidence collection to boost earnings and gain faster access to high-tier upgrades.
Q: Do I need to keep lower-tier equipment after upgrading?
A: Yes, certain lower-tier items (like the Tier 1 D.O.T.S. Projector) can still be useful for specific situations, such as hunting moving ghosts.
By following these equipment upgrade tips, you’ll be better equipped for tackling Phasmophobia’s spookiest encounters. As you progress, focus on building a balanced toolkit to handle any paranormal threats lurking in the dark.