With the latest Phasmophobia update preparing for launch on consoles, Phasmophobia Ascension brings about many desired changes to the ghost-hunting game, as well as a fresh start for many. With this update, items and equipment have been reset, and now each of them exists from tier 1 to tier 3. Players must level up their characters to unlock the best equipment in Phasmophobia.
The revamped equipment tiers in Phasmophobia might leave old players questioning how to unlock the best gear in Phasmophobia, whilst other newer players might ask what the equipment itself does. Fear not the ghosts that lurk in the dark, for this guide will answer all.
20 D.O.T.S. Projector
Tier 1: The D.O.T.S. Projector might be confusing to new players, but it’s a piece of great electronic equipment that will allow players to see the ghost running past. The D.O.T.S. Projector is a starter equipment, and comes in the form of a laser pointer pen, lacking efficiency and chance for a D.O.T.S. evidence to reveal. It’s best to hold it in the dark at the ghost area or drop it to simply watch and wait.
Tier 2: Level 29 unlocks the Tier 2 D.O.T.S. Projector that acts as an infrared motion sensor. It’s small but can be placed on most surfaces like floors and walls. This version of the D.O.T.S. Projector has a range of 2.5 Meters and has a radius to surround the area, rather than a narrow spotlight like Tier 1.
Tier 3: At level 60, players will have unlocked Tier 3’s D.O.T.S. Projector. This is by far the best D.O.T.S. Projector, as it has a wide spotlight coverage, a range of 7 Meters, and it is scanning. It has three lenses for the best coverage of D.O.T.S.
19 EMF Reader
Tier 1: The EMF Reader is much like a Geiger counter, but for detecting ghosts. With the EMF Reader on and equipped, players can check for abnormalities in the air, and scan the area for paranormal activity, such as a rocking chair, ghostly presences, and thrown items. It’s Tier 1 is unlocked by default, and evidence can be detected if it reads above a 5.
Tier 2: The Tier 1 EMF Reader is unreliable due to its low accuracy, but the Tier 2 is a trusty device that unlocks at Level 20. Players can use the K2 like a professional paranormal investigator, and it helps that it has high accuracy on EMF readings, as well as an audio indicator for better acknowledgment of activity.
Tier 3: Level 52 unlocks the Tier 3 EMF Reader. This device was created to be much more than just an ordinary EMF Reader. The range is over double that of Tier 2, and it has a 3.5-Meter range along with high accuracy. With its audio indication, display screen, distance indicator, and directional indicator, it’s a piece of equipment every Phasmophobia player should aim for.
18 Ghost Writing Book
Tier 1: The default Ghost Writing Book that unlocks for Level 1 players may not seem like anything interesting, but it can certainly do the job. The problem with the Tier 1 Ghost Writing Book comes from the fact that it has a low interaction rate and a range of 3 Meters. This means that a ghost might not scribble in the book to provide players with Ghost Writing Evidence.
Tier 2: Level 23 unlocks the Tier 2 Ghost Writing Book. This book is protected by a leather case and seems much more professional. It’s a book players should aim to upgrade, as not only will the ghost be impressed by the nicer pages and pen, but it has a range of 4 Meters with a higher interaction rate of medium.
Tier 3: Level 63 unlocks a grimoire, a rare and metallic accented book that has the appearance of elegance and paranormal obsession. With a range of 5 Meters and a high interaction rate, Tier 3 is the best Ghost Writing Book in Phasmophobia. Just don’t expect the ghost to write literature or art.
17 Spirit Box
Tier 1: A default unlock for the Spirit Box is the Tier 1 device. It’s an old FM/AM radio that doesn’t have the best audio quality due to the cheap and outdated speakers. When using the Spirit Box, players can talk into their microphone to try and commune with the unknown. Players can ask questions to the Spirit Box and hope for a response, but this Tier 1 has a low rate of response.
Tier 2: Level 27 unlocks the Tier 2 Spirit Box. The P-SB7TT is built specifically to communicate with the paranormal. With a 4-Meter range, medium audio quality, a display screen, and a medium response rate, this superior model makes paranormal questioning easier to decipher and see if a response is given.
Tier 3: The best Spirit Box model, the SB11-Z unlocks at Level 54. This Tier 3 device has a 5-Meter range, high audio quality, and a high response rate. Its built-in noise filter reduces static between questions and answers, and it will clearly indicate whether a response has been heard or given.
16 Thermometer
Tier 1: The trusty Thermometer will be at the player’s side from Level 1, and it’s an iconic and non-electronic piece of equipment that can be used to find the ghost room. Players should watch the temperature, and if it rises then they are not near the ghost room, but if it falls to around 5 degrees or 0, then they have found where the ghost has made its home. If the Thermometer reads below 0 then Freezing Temperatures are assured as evidence.
Tier 2: The infrared Thermometer is electronic equipment that upgrades from Tier 1 once players reach Level 36. It’s a great tool for quick readings, although they can sometimes be inaccurate. The sample speed of its temperature readings is medium, and the accuracy is high. Players just need to hold the Use button to watch it work.
Tier 3: Level 64 unlocks the Tier 3 Thermometer. This modern and reliable piece of equipment is far more technical and accurate than the previous designs. It has a high accuracy, and high sample speed, and gives players a quick reading when in a hurry.
15 UV Light
Tier 1: The default UV Light is a small glowstick that will illuminate the surrounding area with a bright UV glow. This can be used to find ghosts that leave behind fingerprints, providing players with Ultraviolet evidence. The Tier 1 glowstick is actually one of the best, as it is an area light that covers large areas when held and can be charged up by shaking it. It’s also not electronic.
Tier 2: Strangely enough, the Tier 2 UV Light is actually rather weak and inferior. This tactical and electronic UV Light provides players with a narrow beam of light. It can charge fingerprints faster than the Glowstick, but its narrow range makes it more difficult to detect in wider areas.
Tier 3: Coming in at Level 56 is the Tier 3 UV Light Pro flashlight. With nearly 80 individual bulbs powering this UV light, players can expect a wide spotlight and a UV Charge Time of 1.5, meaning UV fingerprints or footprints can be shown nearly instantly.
14 Video Camera
Tier 1: The first unlock at Level 1 will provide players with an old camcorder. It’s vintage but great for locating Ghost Orbs, as long as players activate its night vision mode. It’s not the best camera, and it has a high knockdown chance, as well as low image quality.
Tier 2: Level 33 unlocks the Parasonic video camera, which also has a high knockdown chance. However, the image quality is medium, making it better, and the lack of paranormal interference means finding Ghost Orbs will be slightly easier.
Tier 3: To make things even easier, Level 61 can provide players with the state-of-the-art Bony camera for ghost hunters. It’s a cinema-grade video camera that can be shoulder-mounted. Although heavy, it adds an immense level of video quality and visibility that makes paranormal interference low and
13 Crucifix
Tier 1: At Level 8, players will unlock the Crucifix, a consumable item that will prevent ghosts from hunting, but at the cost of the Crucifix. The first Crucifix has a single use and a range of 3 Meters, allowing players to prevent an attack when placed in the ghost spawn area.
Tier 2: As for the Tier 2 Crucifix, players can expect 2 Uses and a range of 4 Meters, but first they need to unlock it at Level 37. This upgraded crucifix puts aside the wood and uses iron, making it a more reliable defense.
Tier 3: The final Tier 3 Crucifix unlocks at Level 90, and has grand effects. It has the same range and uses as Tier 2, but it also has the ability to prevent one Cursed Hunt, which is great for the extreme ghost hunters that have some true curses to fear.
12 Firelight
Tier 1: Level 12 provides players with the old rusting candleholder and a small and inferior candle. This Firelight has a 3-minute duration and can help reduce sanity drain by 33% but only when held. Its little range makes it not a great source of light to stay sane and safe.
Tier 2: With three tall candles attached to this candelabra, the Level 47 Firelight can have its effects admired when placed on the floor rather than holding it. The strength of the wax allows it to burn bright for 5 minutes, with a 50% reduction on the Sanity drain.
Tier 3: A long way away for some, Level 79 will allow players to access the Tier 3 Firelight. This gasoline-fueled lantern is consumable, and the most powerful of the bunch. It’s waterproof and has an infinite duration, with a Sanity drain reduction of 66%.
11 Flashlight
Tier 1: A default unlock for Phasmophobia players, the Flashlight may be old, but it still works somewhat. The narrow spotlight and low intensity make it a weak choice, but the best chance players have of actually seeing in the dark from this retro metallic flashlight.
Tier 2: Level 19 will provide players with an average flashlight that is both compact and lightweight. Players can hold this flashlight for a narrow spotlight and a medium intensity, providing them with decent coverage as they try and locate clues and ghosts.
Tier 3: The most powerful Flashlight comes from the Tier 3 unlock, accessible at Level 35. This large Flashlight tool has a carry handle, and its wide spotlight and high intensity mean that open spaces will be brightened to great success, even with the power breaker out.
10 Head Gear
Tier 1: A GhostPro camera unlocks at Level 13, allowing players to equip a head strap so that their activities can be viewed by those in the van too scared to enter the haunted house themselves. The Head Gear equipment has medium paranormal interference, a medium image quality, and counts as a head slot, meaning players don’t need to waste a hand-held item slot.
Tier 2: Level 49 provides players with a stronger piece of Head Gear equipment that includes a small LED flashlight on top. The light intensity is low, and the spotlight is narrow. Players may not be able to see this item through the van’s cameras, but it’s a great alternative to the Flashlight.
Tier 3: Combining a GhostPro and a trusty Flashlight in one, the Night Vision goggles are a great choice at Level 82. Players can use these Night Vision goggles to see in the dark, but they should be aware that the medium of paranormal interference and electronic use makes them viable for ghost activity.
9 Igniter
Tier 1: At Level 12, players will be able to unlock a trusty matchbox that has 10 uses. This consumable can be used for lighting Firelights and Incense. It’s also a small light source, but not exactly a great one to use when compared to the others.
Tier 2: Level 41 unlocks a small and compact lighter, trusty for flicking on with a duration of 5 minutes that it can be used for. With the Tier 2 lighter, players can see the liquid inside to see how much they have left before the flame is extinguished from this gas lighter.
Tier 3: Zippy Lighters unlock at Level 57, and are by far the most reliable. They have a duration of 10 minutes, which is more than enough to use for the whole game while hunting a ghost. It’s much brighter and can be used for dark getaways during a ghost hunt, and it’s waterproof, meaning rain can’t stop it.
8 Incense
Tier 1: Level 14 allows players to purchase their first Tier for incense, which is the bundle of Smudge Sticks. This small bundle of black sage can be lit with an Igniter to halt a ghost hunt from going on longer than it should, and to disorient a ghost. However, the Tier 1 duration is only 5 seconds with a 3-Meter range for this consumable.
Tier 2: Level 42 unlocks the large bundle of white sage, which deters ghosts thanks to its sweet bitter aroma. With a range of 4 Meters and a duration of 6 seconds, this consumable can slow ghosts during hunts, and provide greater effects than the Tier 1.
Tier 3: Holy incense couldn’t be better than the Level 85 Incense. This was designed specifically for evil spirits, warding them off to a great effect. When burning holy incense, ghosts will halt activity during hunts. It also has a duration of 7 seconds and a range of 5 Meters.
7 Motion Sensor
Tier 1: Level 5 will unlock the Motion Sensor, and the Tier 1 model was a wildlife camera. This sensor can detect paranormal entities that move in front of it, and it will beep and flash with light to detect anything that walks through it. Whether that’s a person or an unseen entity. Motion Sensors are great for objectives and tracking the height of the ghost.
Tier 2: Level 45 unlocks the Tier 2 Motion Sensor, which has a line and cone sensor shape thanks to two different modes. This model is also equipped with a light and audio indicator for better tracking of who and what just walked past it.
Tier 3: Level 74 has the best Motion Sensor, as this Motion Sensing camera can be placed on the floor for a circle radius. It scans, has light indication and audio indication, and will flash bright lights if something is within its detection range.
6 Parabolic Microphone
Tier 1: Level 7 unlocks the default Parabolic Microphone, the 8X21. This microphone amplifies sounds further away and makes things clearer by deafening the surrounding area. With a range of 20 Meters, the Parabolic Microphone can be used to detect paranormal screams and groans, as well as friendly footsteps.
Tier 2: Tier 2’s Level 31 Parabolic Microphone comes with a 30-Meter range and a display screen, which makes improvements to the Parabolic Microphone that allows players to have a better sensor and detection rate for when players turn to try and find sound and its source.
Tier 3: Level 72 unlocks the upgrade for the Parabolic Microphone Tier 3, which will provide players with the best high-quality microphone and screen for paranormal investigations. With a 30-Meter range, display screen, distance indicator, and directional indicator, this Parabolic Microphone will lead players to their horrors in no time.
5 Photo Camera
Tier 1: Level 3 will bless players with a Photo Camera. Despite the old Polaroid camera being an inferior model, and the time between photos being high, it still provides players with an opportunity to take photos for rewards that will give them money and XP based on the quality of the picture and what the picture actually is.
Tier 2: Tier 2 unlocks at level 25, and the Bony GhostShot is a nice little compact camera that can benefit all ghost hunters. This digital camera has a medium time between photos, as well as a display screen. The fact that it is electronic means it can sometimes see paranormal interference.
Tier 3: The SLR camera from Bony, Tier 3 unlocks at Level 70, and provides players with the best image quality and processing power money can buy. It has a low time between photos and a display screen, meaning players can take quick shots of evidence-gathering items and perhaps even the ghost.
4 Salt
Tier 1: Level 9 unlocks the trusty table salt, which has 2 uses when activated. Players can place piles of salt on the floor and hope that a ghost will walk through it. This will help determine the ghost type, as some don’t actually have feet to walk into the salt with.
Tier 2: Instead of a salt shaker, Level 43 gives players a fine ground pink Himalayan salt, which contains 3 uses. Players can use this to place long lines of salt, which block wider passages, enabling more effective use.
Tier 3: Blessed black salt that has been combined with other minerals to clean the world of paranormal terrors awaits players that reach Level 68 for the Tier 3 glass salt bottle. Although it has 3 uses again, it has the power to slow ghosts during hunts, meaning ghosts can be trapped to help identify more evidence.
3 Sanity Medication
Tier 1: Sanity is an important mechanic in Phasmophobia, as the lower it is, the more powerful or frequent a Ghost Hunt can occur. To counteract this, Sanity Medications are a great consumable. The Tier 1 Insane Away formula unlocks at Level 16, giving a sanity restoration speed of 30.
Tier 2: Tier 2 provides players with some pills that unlock at Level 39. These Sanity Pills will restore Sanity at a speed of 20, which is a lot faster than Tier 1.
Tier 3: The newest formula for Sanity Medication is the Level 77 Sanity Injection, which will almost instantly restore sanity thanks to its restoration speed of 10. This adrenaline shot will keep players sane, and will not take away from sprint stamina while the effects are active.
2 Sound Sensor
Tier 1: Once Level 11 has been reached, players can pick themselves up a Sound Sensor. This small microphone is attached to a small tripod and allows players to place them in multiple locations to detect sounds from within the truck. It has a range of 5 and 10 Meters, with a circle sensor shape, but it’s not the most useful equipment.
Tier 2: As of Level 32, players will have the Tier 2 Sound Sensor, which has two higher-quality microphones attached together. The range can be toggled from 5, 10, and 15 meters, with a circle sensor shape.
Tier 3: The latest and most expensive Sound Sensor is Tier 3, which unlocks at Level 58. Despite the ranges of 5, 10, and 15 being the same as Tier 2, the Sensor Shapes can be toggled, with a circle, cone, and sides to make for a better area of effect.
1 Tripod
Tier 1: The reliable Tripod unlocks at Level 10. Despite being cheap and cheerful, it’s a great device to attach the Video Camera, so players can watch an area from the safety of the van with the camera in place. However, this Tripod does have a medium knockdown chance, meaning ghosts can knock it over.
Tier 2: The modern Tripod unlocks at Level 34, and is a far cleaner and sturdy device. Despite this Tripod also having a knockdown chance of medium, it has a rotation control, meaning players can get new angles from their tripod placement.
Tier 3: The best tripod is reinforced with metal legs, and can be unlocked at Level 62. The Tier 3 Tripod has a low knockdown chance, meaning ghosts will have a harder time knocking it down. The rotation control is the same as Tier 2, but it’s definitely the superior model.
Phasmophobia is out on PC, with a PS4 and Xbox One release scheduled for August 2023.