Phasmophobia: Best Starting Items

Phasmophobia is a paranormal horror game that was made with everyone but the faint of heart in mind. In this horror game, you have to hunt down various types of terrifying ghosts and ghouls that haunt random residences. This wickedly scary game supports up to 4 players at once, so you at least don’t have to go up against the ghosts alone! Whether you’re hunting alone or with a team, you definitely want to make sure you bring the right tools for the job with you.

At the beginning of every investigation, each player is given a set of basic “starter items” to help them with the investigation. For seasoned Phasmophobia players who like playing the game on harder difficulties, these items are usually not enough; for people who are just starting to get into Phasmophobia, however, these items can be life savers (sometimes literally). Keep reading to find out what the best starting items in Phasmophobia are and which you should take with you on your next investigation!

Best Starting Items in Phasmophobia

The starting items in Phasmophobia are the EMF Reader, Video Camera, Photo Camera, UV Light, D.O.T.S Projector, Ghost Writing Book, Spirit box, and Flashlight. Each player will be given access to these items at the start of an investigation, but if you’re new to the game, then knowing which of these items to bring with you and when to use them can be tough.

All of the starting items are useful in completing a successful investigation, but since you have a limited carrying capacity and a limited amount of time, you’ll want to narrow them down to a few essentials. These are the best essential items that you’ll want to consider in Phasmophobia:

• D.O.T.S Projector – The D.O.T.S Projector didn’t use to be all that valuable, but thanks to the Ascension update, it’s now one of the best starting items in Phasmophobia. Not only will this tool allow you to get some great ghost evidence, but it also causes ghosts to enter a temporary “D.O.T.S” state when activated. This causes them to become visible with ultraviolet light, and will cause them to slowly advance to the nearest player before vanishing entirely.
• EMF Reader – The EMF Reader is easily one of the most important items in Phasmophobia, starter item status aside. You’ll want to keep this handy tool on you at all times, whether you’re a Phasmophobia veteran or a newbie!
• Spirit Box – The Spirit Box is both the creepiest and most fun item in the game. Not only is this item great at getting evidence, but it also allows players to use their real-life mic to talk to the ghosts!
• Video Camera – The Video Camera is definitely one of the most important tools in the game, but it’s recommended that you leave it in the van until the final stages of the investigation. It’s super useful for getting evidence, but not until the ghost really starts getting active.
• UV Light – The UV Light is similar to the Video Camera in the sense that it’s only really useful in the final stages of an investigation. It’s wickedly good at capturing fingerprint evidence, but it should be left in the van until the ghost activity starts to amp up.

Honestly, your chances of completing an investigation are pretty high with any of the starter items, but you’ll definitely want to keep these in mind for your next ghost hunt.

What Do all of the Starting Items Do in Phasmophobia?

Some of the starter items are pretty self-explanatory, but others (like the D.O.T.S Projector) aren’t nearly as straightforward. So, effectiveness aside, what do all of the starter items actually do? Here’s every starter item in the game and its function:

• EMF Reader – Detects EMF presence in the area, which can be used to obtain evidence.
• Video Camera – Creates a video feed that connects to the van’s computer. This can be used to detect Ghost Orbs.
• Photo Camera – Used to take photos of numerous different types of ghost interactions. These photos can be used to make extra profit.
• UV Light – Used to reveal footprints and fingerprints of ghosts that would otherwise be invisible, which can be used as evidence.
• D.O.T.S Projector – When placed, it creates a field of green lights, which can detect ghosts and can be counted as evidence. Additionally, it causes ghosts to enter a “D.O.T.S” state that causes them to become visible with ultraviolet light.
• Ghost Writing Book – A journal that ghosts have the ability to write in. This can be used to obtain Ghost Writing evidence.
• Spirit Box – Used to communicate with ghosts through questions, which can be counted as evidence.
• Flashlight – Provides a basic yet useful source of light.

Some starter items are essential to the investigation, while others just help you earn some extra cash. Regardless, you’ll want to keep all of these items in mind for your next investigation in Phasmophobia!

Related: How to Add Equipment in Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia is easily one of the scariest horror games of all time, which is why it’s a great thing that it’s multiplayer. If you’re not brave enough to play horror games by yourself, then check out Gamer Journalist’s guides for Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, Sons of the Forest, and Dead by Daylight! All of these games may be terrifying, but at least you’ll be able to play them with your friends.