Kinetic Games has just released the Eventide update for Phasmophobia, marking a significant expansion with the introduction of the new Point Hope map, numerous gameplay tweaks, and performance optimizations. However, while this update is a welcome addition, it does raise questions about the pace of new content and features.
Introducing Point Hope
The highlight of the Eventide update is the new Point Hope map, a massive location featuring 10 floors and 12 rooms. This unique layout promises to challenge players in fresh ways, unlocking for ghost hunters at level 15. The map brings new layers of strategy and exploration to the game, adding to the variety of haunted locales already available.
Learn more about Point Hope here
Miscellaneous Additions
- New ID Card Badges: Unlock badges like the Lighthouse Keeper and various tiers of the Apocalypse challenges by completing difficult objectives.
- Carry an Igniter: Players can now carry an Igniter along with three other items, with non-VR players limited to one at a time.
- New Sounds for Ghost Writing Books: Books now play new sounds when closed, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
- New Ghost Names: Kate and Catherine have been added to the possible ghost names list.
- Single Fingerprints: Ghosts can now leave single fingerprints on small lamps and TV remotes.
Gameplay Changes
- Leveling Adjustments: The experience required to level up from 1-100 has been reduced by around 10%, making progression faster. Players can now level up to 9999 for each prestige, with the experience needed increasing for levels between 999 and 9999.
- Increased Rewards: Correctly identifying ghosts in medium and large locations now yields higher rewards.
- Training Tweaks: Adjustments have been made to make the training experience smoother and more streamlined.
Equipment Updates
Significant improvements have been made to various pieces of equipment, enhancing their functionality and user experience:
- D.O.T.S. Projector: Increased light range for Tier I, with a new pausing feature for Tier III.
- EMF Reader: Updated readings and new sounds for Tier III.
- Firelight: Increased duration and improved performance in heavy rain.
- Sanity Medication: Faster restoration times and new sprint endurance features.
- Parabolic Microphone: Enhanced functionality to detect sounds from different floors.
- UV Light and Video Camera: Improvements to make ghost interactions and evidence collection more consistent and accurate.
General Enhancements
Optimization has been a key focus of this update, with significant performance improvements aimed at reducing stutters, increasing FPS, and shortening loading times. These enhancements span photo and video cameras, shadows, weather effects, and more, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
The Need for More
While the Eventide update is a step in the right direction, many players feel the wait for new content has been too long. Despite promises of new features from a dedicated map creator, fans are still waiting for substantial updates like a Steam Workshop integration to let the community contribute new maps and features. Additionally, there’s a desire for the return of older ghost mechanics that made jump scares and ghost events more terrifying, particularly when players directly confront the ghost.
What’s Next?
Kinetic Games has laid a solid foundation with the Eventide update, but the community eagerly awaits further enhancements, including more engaging ghost interactions and possibly new story-driven DLCs. The addition of a Steam Workshop could significantly enhance the game’s longevity by tapping into the creativity of the community.
Join the Community
Stay updated and join the discussion on Phasmophobia’s official Discord. You can also follow the latest news on Kinetic Games’ official site and the game’s Steam page.
For detailed patch notes and more information, check out the official update announcement and Sunny Meadows Mental Institution.
While Phasmophobia’s Eventide update delivers some long-awaited features, the community remains hopeful for more frequent and substantial content updates to keep the fear alive.