As avid fans of Phasmophobia since its early days on PC in 2020, our team has collectively clocked nearly 400 hours of ghost-hunting terror in this game. Seeing Phasmophobia launch on PS5 in 2024 has been a thrill for long-time fans like us, and we eagerly explored the new features, settings, and console adjustments in this early access. Phasmophobia has come a long way from its modest indie beginnings to one of the most recognized horror games. This console release reflects not only the developers’ commitment to their growing fanbase but also an exciting expansion for players on PS5.
For those new to Phasmophobia, the game is a 4-player online co-op psychological horror experience where players use ghost-hunting equipment to gather evidence in haunted locations. The atmosphere is eerie, the tension is constant, and with every update, the game only becomes more immersive. With the PS5 release, Phasmophobia aims to bring that heart-pounding experience to console players. Here’s how it measures up.
Gameplay and Mechanics
A Refined Experience for Console Players
Transitioning a game as intricate as Phasmophobia to a console is no small feat. This PS5 version retains the heart of the game: tracking down ghosts, gathering evidence, and attempting to survive until the end. While a PC mouse and keyboard may offer more precision, the game’s controls on the PS5 have been optimized to retain a smooth, intuitive feel. The dual-stick setup effectively balances movement and equipment management, and we appreciated the effort made in adapting the settings to make gameplay fluid for console users.
That said, we did find one minor drawback in control customization: sensitivity adjustments are limited compared to the flexibility on PC. This can make rapid reactions a bit clunky, particularly in high-tension moments when you’re face-to-face with a ghost. We’re hopeful that future updates may bring more detailed sensitivity options, just as we’ve seen added on PC over time.
Visuals and Performance
The visual style of Phasmophobia remains as haunting as ever on the PS5. Thanks to the console’s power, lighting, shadows, and texture details are crisp, bringing the game’s terrifying ambiance to life. Each location feels atmospherically dense, with detailed environments that practically breathe unease.
However, we did encounter occasional lag spikes in online sessions. It’s worth noting that these lags were most likely due to server capacity as the game approached full release. When working smoothly, the graphics and smooth frame rates on PS5 enhance the ghost-hunting experience, though server stability may need further attention.
Core Features: A Deeper Look
Phasmophobia for PS5 retains all the elements that made the original so compelling:
- Realistic Equipment Simulation: The game’s equipment, from EMF Readers to Night Vision Cameras, brings a sense of realism that makes you feel like a genuine paranormal investigator. Each tool plays a crucial role in uncovering ghostly evidence, with new cursed items that provide boosts at the cost of your sanity.
- Voice Recognition: One of Phasmophobia’s standout features is its full voice recognition. Players can use their own voice to interact with ghosts through Ouija Boards and Spirit Boxes. This feature isn’t just functional; it makes the experience deeply immersive, and yes, it’s just as responsive on PS5.
- Unique Ghost Types: With over 20 ghost types, each investigation feels distinct. Some ghosts are aggressive, others are evasive, and they all come with unique traits and abilities. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging.
- Map Variety and Game Modes: The game offers over 10 different haunted locations, from cramped suburban homes to abandoned asylums, each with unique layouts and hiding spots. The PS5 version also includes the full range of difficulties and custom modes, allowing players to adjust game intensity or set their own unique challenges.
Multiplayer and Crossplay
Phasmophobia excels as a multiplayer experience, and the PS5 release supports crossplay, meaning players on PC, PS5, and other platforms can team up seamlessly. Crossplay ensures that the player base remains large and active, which is crucial for a game that shines brightest when played with a full squad of four. We tested this feature extensively and were pleased to see smooth connections and clear voice chat, though server improvements would make these sessions even better.
Teamwork is integral to survival, and Phasmophobia has kept that dynamic strong on PS5. Players can communicate, plan, and execute their ghost-hunting strategies, with some members operating the equipment from the van while others venture into haunted areas to collect evidence. It’s thrilling, terrifying, and requires tight coordination.
Areas for Future Improvement
As much as we enjoyed the PS5 version, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the game’s early scares on PC, where the suspense was intensified by limited information and unpredictable ghost behavior. With updates, some of that raw horror edge has softened, and we’d love to see the game lean back into its roots with even more unpredictability and fear-inducing features.
Additionally, a Steam Workshop-style feature for community-created maps would add fantastic replayability. This would free up the developers to focus on deeper game enhancements while allowing the community to expand the game with new locations and experiences.
Phasmophobia on PS5: The Paranormal Verdict
After spending hours investigating haunted houses and evading supernatural entities, we found that the PS5 version of Phasmophobia largely retains the core appeal that drew us to the game back in 2020. While there are areas for improvement, the console adaptation is a solid addition to any horror fan’s library, offering nearly everything PC players love with the added benefit of crossplay. Here’s our breakdown of the highlights and drawbacks:
Haunting Highlights
- Immersive Gameplay: Realistic equipment, voice recognition, and atmospheric graphics make ghost-hunting feel authentic.
- Crossplay: Smooth integration with other platforms keeps the community strong and multiplayer lobbies full.
- Unique Ghosts and Maps: With over 20 ghost types and a variety of maps, no two hunts are alike, keeping the experience fresh.
- Console-Friendly Controls: Thoughtful design makes controls on PS5 smooth, though sensitivity options are limited.
Ghostly Grievances
- Occasional Lag: Server stability can waver, particularly during high-demand periods.
- Limited Sensitivity Options: More detailed customization for control sensitivity would improve gameplay for console users.
- Diminished Scare Factor: The game has gradually softened some of its terror since its original release, leaving room for a potential return to its horror roots.
- No Community Maps Yet: Lack of modding or custom map support reduces potential replayability for dedicated fans.
Phasmophobia: Phasmophobia on PS5 is a welcome addition to the console horror lineup, providing hours of thrilling co-op ghost hunting with friends. While some polish is still needed, particularly around controls and server stability, it’s clear that Phasmophobia has found a comfortable home on PS5. For both newcomers and long-time fans, the console release delivers the essence of Phasmophobia’s spine-chilling gameplay and shows great promise for the future. – Obsidian
