Fear has always been gaming’s most powerful currency, and few titles have capitalized on this quite like Phasmophobia. After years of PC exclusivity, this atmospheric ghost-hunting sensation has finally crossed the threshold into console gaming. The title, which has been sending shivers down PC players’ spines since September 2020, launched its early access version on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X just in time for the 2024 Halloween season. British developer Kinetic Games has managed to translate their spine-chilling paranormal investigation experience to consoles, though not without a few bumps in the night.
Let’s cut to the chase – Phasmophobia isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror game. It’s carved out its own unique niche in the genre, challenging players to become genuine ghost hunters rather than just survival horror protagonists. Whether you’re brave enough to venture solo or wise enough to bring up to three friends along, you’ll find yourself diving deep into the art of paranormal investigation. The game’s success speaks volumes – with nearly 22 million copies sold across all platforms as of January 2025, including an impressive million-plus console sales in just its first few months.

Think of it as the digital equivalent of those ghost-hunting shows we’ve all binged at some point, minus the dramatic camera cuts and plus a whole lot more genuine terror. The console version keeps this core experience intact, asking players to juggle an array of ghost-hunting gadgets while keeping their wits – and their sanity meter – about them. It’s this sanity system that adds an extra layer of tension; the more supernatural activity you witness, the lower your sanity drops, and the more likely you are to become the ghost’s next victim. It’s a clever mechanic that creates genuine moments of “should I stay or should I go” decision-making.
However, the transition to console hasn’t been without its challenges. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the current absence of voice detection features that PC players have come to rely on. While you can still chat with your fellow investigators, gone is the ability to verbally interact with spirits through the Spirit Box or Ouija board. Instead, console players must use preset button commands – a solution that, while functional, admittedly loses some of that spine-tingling immediacy of speaking directly to the other side.

The control scheme might also take some getting used to for console newcomers. While it mirrors the controller setup available on PC, there’s definitely a learning curve involved. Early access teething problems are also present, with some players reporting weather effect glitches and occasional interaction hiccups in certain areas. These aren’t game-breaking issues, but they’re noticeable enough to warrant mention.
New ghost hunters might find the initial progression a bit of a slow burn. The starter equipment feels decidedly basic, especially if you’ve watched PC veterans wielding their upgraded arsenal on streams. The good news? Kinetic Games has acknowledged this feedback and confirmed they’re working on adjusting the progression pacing in upcoming patches.

Despite these early access wrinkles, the console version still captures the essence of what makes Phasmophobia such a compelling experience. The game’s thirteen locations run the gamut from cozy (but haunted) suburban homes to sprawling mental institutions, each with their own atmospheric charm and challenges. Add to this mix 24 distinct ghost types, each with unique behavioral patterns and evidence requirements, and you’ve got a recipe for consistently unpredictable investigations.
The multiplayer aspect remains one of the game’s strongest selling points. There’s something special about huddling in a dark corner with friends, trying to decide if that creaking floorboard is just the house settling or something more sinister. The game’s procedurally generated encounters and robust difficulty options, including a surprisingly detailed custom difficulty system, ensure that no two ghost hunts feel quite the same.

Looking toward the future, Kinetic Games has outlined an ambitious roadmap of improvements. Players can expect overhauls to core systems like photo evidence, progression mechanics, and CCTV functionality. New features are also on the horizon, including enhanced video and sound evidence systems, expanded character customization options, fresh ghost models, and additional objectives to tackle.
This console release marks a significant milestone for Phasmophobia, which initially exploded in popularity during the Halloween season of 2020, thanks to its massive following on Twitch and YouTube. While the early access version still has some rough edges to smooth out, it successfully translates one of gaming’s most innovative cooperative horror experiences to a new platform.

There’s something deeply human about our desire to peek behind the veil, to understand what lurks in the shadows of abandoned buildings and empty corridors. Phasmophobia taps into this primal curiosity, and as of January 2025, it continues evolving across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X platforms. With each update, each new feature, and each terrified scream echoing through its haunted halls, the game inches closer to perfecting its unique brand of collaborative horror. In the end, perhaps that’s what makes Phasmophobia so compelling – not just the ghosts we hunt, but the stories we create together in the dark.