Phasmophobia has released the second part of its 2026 quality-of-life update across all platforms. The update adds smaller versions of three large locations and gives investigation teams clearer information about collected ghost clues.
Prison, Brownstone High School and Point Hope now have restricted variants. The update also changes cameras, sound recorders, the journal and the VR character rig without replacing the main ghost-hunting rules.
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Restricted maps shorten three demanding investigations
The restricted Prison is treated as a small map. The new Point Hope variant is also small, while the restricted versions of Brownstone High School are classed as medium locations. Each variant closes part of the original building. Teams can therefore use the atmosphere of a large location without spending the same amount of time searching every room. This is useful for short sessions and smaller groups.
The closed area can change between contracts, so players still need to read the truck board and inspect the available route.
A familiar building will not always produce the same investigation path.
A recorded clue now has a visible warning
Video cameras, photo cameras and sound recorders now indicate when a ghost clue has already been recorded. The exact warning depends on the equipment tier. The first photo camera uses a yellow light. Higher-tier photo and video cameras show faded text, while sound recorders reduce the brightness of their indicators or display faded sound waves.
These signs reduce wasted actions because a player can see when a teammate already captured the same clue. The remaining time can then be used for another room, item or ghost behaviour.
The journal shows more team information
The journal now displays ghost clues and ghost choices selected by other players. A team no longer needs to repeat every choice through voice chat when several clues arrive close together. Required clues for a possible ghost are highlighted, while clues that do not fit are faded.
This presentation helps newer players understand why one clue narrows the list.
The old Keys page has become an Items We Have Found page. It records keys, the bone and seasonal collectibles in one place, giving the group a quick check before it leaves the location.
| Location | Restricted size |
|---|---|
| Prison | Small |
| Brownstone High School | Medium |
| Point Hope | Small |
Custom difficulty lets players choose a ghost type
Players can select a ghost type in custom difficulty. Choosing a fixed ghost sets the reward multiplier to zero, so the option is designed for practice and testing rather than progression. This setting allows a group to learn one behaviour without restarting contracts until the desired ghost appears. It is also useful for testing equipment, map routes and visual effects under controlled conditions.
The zero multiplier keeps the training tool separate from normal rewards. Players who want money and experience still need to identify an unknown ghost through the regular investigation.
VR movement has been rebuilt
Kinetic Games replaced the VR character rig across all platforms. The new version aims to match arm length more accurately and make the displayed body respond more closely to the player’s movement. The change also improves the way other players see a VR teammate. More natural positions reduce the distracting poses that could appear when the old rig interpreted body movement incorrectly.
Several reported VR problems were addressed alongside the new rig. Players should recalibrate their play area and check belt positions before beginning a difficult contract.
The update keeps the challenge while making clues clearer
The changes reduce repeated menu work and make ghost clues easier to check. Players still need to identify the ghost through careful observation, so the main challenge remains intact.
Players must still identify the ghost themselves
Teams must still connect each clue before naming the ghost.
