Let’s be honest – bringing a PC cult classic to consoles isn’t always smooth sailing. But when Kinetic Games finally unleashed Phasmophobia on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, they proved that sometimes the wait is worth it. The British indie developer’s hit paranormal investigation game, which first spooked PC players back in September 2020, has found its footing on consoles despite some early growing pains.
At its heart, Phasmophobia remains delightfully simple yet deeply unsettling. You and up to three fellow ghost hunters step into haunted locations armed with an array of ghost-detecting gadgets, working together to identify which of the game’s 24 distinct specters is causing trouble. What makes each investigation truly nerve-wracking isn’t just the ghost – it’s watching your sanity meter steadily drop as darkness and supernatural events take their toll.
The console version captures that essential tension beautifully. Whether you’re tiptoeing through a cramped suburban home or exploring the echoing halls of an abandoned asylum, the core experience that made the PC version a multiplayer phenomenon remains intact. As of January 2025, players can explore 13 distinct locations, each hiding its own terrifying secrets and creating unique scenarios that keep investigators on their toes.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the console port isn’t perfect. Perhaps the most noticeable change is how ghost communication works. PC players have long enjoyed using actual voice recognition to interact with spirits through tools like the Spirit Box and Ouija Board. Console players, however, currently have to rely on preset button commands for ghost communication. It’s functional, sure, but it loses some of that spine-tingling immediacy that made the PC version so immersive.
Early access players have also encountered their share of technical quirks. Rain effects occasionally decide to take a vacation (though you can still hear the drops), and the hub area sometimes feels like it’s playing hard to get when you try to interact with objects. The control scheme, while serviceable, takes some getting used to – expect to spend your first few investigations fumbling with equipment before muscle memory kicks in.
Veterans of the PC version might raise an eyebrow at the progression system, which feels particularly stingy at first. New players start with decidedly basic equipment, and the path to unlocking better gear can feel like a long, dark hallway. However, Kinetic Games hasn’t turned a blind eye to these concerns. The developer has promised adjustments to the progression system in upcoming updates, along with a host of other improvements.
Despite these early access hiccups, Phasmophobia’s fundamental appeal shines through on consoles. Each investigation still delivers those heart-pounding moments when lights start flickering, temperatures drop, and everyone in your team simultaneously realizes it might be time to find a hiding spot. The randomized nature of ghost behavior ensures that even seasoned hunters never quite know what to expect.
The numbers speak volumes about the game’s enduring appeal. Since its 2020 PC launch, Phasmophobia has moved an impressive 22 million copies. The console version, despite its youth, has already crossed the million-sales milestone, suggesting console players are more than ready to face their fears.
For those considering picking up their EMF reader on console, it’s worth remembering that “early access” means exactly that. Yes, there are rough edges, but they come with the promise of continued refinement. Kinetic Games has outlined an ambitious roadmap including overhauls to core systems like photo evidence and CCTV, alongside fresh features such as video and sound evidence, expanded character customization options, and new ghost models.
Looking ahead, Phasmophobia’s console debut represents more than just a port – it’s the evolution of a genre-defining experience. While the early access version may not be the perfect ghost hunting simulation just yet, it captures the essence of what made the PC version a streaming sensation. For console players who’ve been watching from the sidelines, it’s finally time to grab some friends, stock up on crucifixes, and discover why millions of PC players have already lost their minds (and their sanity) to this uniquely terrifying game.
The journey from PC phenomenon to console early access hasn’t been without its bumps in the night, but Phasmophobia proves that good scares translate well across platforms. Just remember to bring a spare pair of pants – you might need them.
