Phasmophobia, the acclaimed co-op ghost-hunting horror game by Kinetic Games, is wrapping up 2024 with a chilling yet festive event: the Winter Jest Update. Starting on December 12th and running through the end of the year, this community-driven event promises to bring holiday cheer—and spine-tingling terror—with unique challenges, cooperative goals, and exclusive in-game rewards.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Winter Jest Update, including its mechanics, rewards, and how it reflects the continued evolution of one of the most innovative horror games on the market.
Winter Jest: A Festive Challenge for the Community
The Winter Jest Update marks the final community event of 2024, building on the foundation of previous seasonal challenges. This time, the Phasmophobia community is tasked with scouring four of the game’s most popular maps, now blanketed in snow and festively adorned, to uncover something sinister lurking within familiar haunts.
Key features of the event include:
- Community Goal: Players must work together to collect jack-in-the-box items, which contribute points toward the overall goal. As the community progresses, three reward tiers will unlock:
- A new ID card.
- An upgraded ID card with enhanced visuals.
- A Krampus Trophy, a haunting memento for your base camp.
This collaborative effort is designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie among players, with Kinetic Games noting that community feedback has helped refine the pacing and structure of this event compared to earlier challenges, like the Halloween event.
Why the Winter Jest Update Feels Different
While the concept of community-driven goals isn’t new to Phasmophobia, Winter Jest addresses some of the frustrations players had with previous events. The Halloween event, for example, was criticized for progressing too slowly, leaving individual players feeling disconnected from the larger objectives. This time, Kinetic Games has implemented adjustments to make progress feel smoother and more rewarding.
Daniel Knight, CEO and Lead Developer at Kinetic Games, explained:
“Our community is everything. We have designed these in-game events as a thank you to our players. We are taking their feedback on board and intend to continue adding events into the game in the future.”
For those who prefer solo play, the event’s reliance on community goals may still feel restrictive. However, the improved pacing and festive theme make Winter Jest a more engaging experience for players of all preferences.
A Closer Look at Phasmophobia
For those unfamiliar with Phasmophobia, the game is a 4-player co-op psychological horror that challenges teams to investigate haunted locations and identify spirits using a variety of ghost-hunting tools. It’s a unique blend of realism and supernatural terror, with standout features that set it apart from other horror games:
Core Gameplay Features
- Over 20 Unique Ghost Types: Each ghost has distinct traits and behaviors, ensuring that no two hunts feel the same.
- Immersive Mechanics: Realistic audio design, minimal HUD elements, and full voice recognition create a chillingly immersive experience.
- Dynamic Equipment: From EMF Readers to Spirit Boxes, players must rely on their tools—and their wits—to gather evidence and survive.
- Custom Difficulty: Tailor the game to your preferences with custom settings, enabling everything from casual fun to intense challenges.
Multiplayer and Crossplay
Phasmophobia supports up to 4-player co-op and offers crossplay between PC, PS5, PS VR2, and Xbox Series X|S. Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or a newcomer, teamwork is critical for success.
The Event’s Limited-Time Rewards
The Winter Jest Update brings unique seasonal rewards to Phasmophobia, which will be available only until the event concludes on December 31st. Here’s what’s up for grabs:
- ID Card and Upgraded ID Card: These cosmetic enhancements are tied to the community’s collective progress, offering a visual upgrade to your in-game profile.
- Krampus Trophy: A chilling yet festive decoration for your base camp, this trophy serves as a permanent reminder of the event for those who participate.
The rewards are unlocked in stages, giving players a reason to keep contributing to the community goal throughout the event’s duration.
Festive Maps with a Haunting Twist
The snowy, decorated maps featured in the Winter Jest Update add a unique seasonal atmosphere to Phasmophobia. But don’t let the festive lights fool you—there’s something sinister waiting in these winter wonderlands. The juxtaposition of holiday cheer with the game’s terrifying ambiance is a perfect fit for fans of spooky fun.
Looking Ahead
As Phasmophobia continues to evolve, events like Winter Jest demonstrate Kinetic Games’ commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging for its player base. While some may still wish for more solo-friendly event options, the focus on community rewards reflects the developers’ desire to foster a sense of shared accomplishment among players.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking for a reason to jump in, the Winter Jest Update is the perfect excuse to grab your EMF reader and dive into the ghost-hunting action. Just don’t forget to keep an eye out for Krampus.
Get Started Today
The Winter Jest Update is live now and runs until December 31, 2024. Phasmophobia is available on PC (Steam), PS5, PS VR2, and Xbox Series X|S for $19.99. For the latest updates and community discussions, follow the game on X and YouTube.
This holiday season, it’s time to get spooky and festive. Will you join the hunt?