Kinetic Games’ breakout paranormal investigation game Phasmophobia has made its long-awaited debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, expanding its reach beyond its PC origins. This highly anticipated console release marks a pivotal moment for the indie horror sensation that has captivated players since it first launched on Steam in September 2020.
Released in early access, the console version brings the game’s signature ghost-hunting experience to a new audience while maintaining the spine-chilling elements that have made it a standout in the horror genre. Whether playing solo or teaming up with up to three other investigators, players must identify various types of ghosts haunting diverse locations while managing their dwindling sanity levels and avoiding deadly encounters.

Let’s address the elephant in the room – the transition to consoles hasn’t been without its hurdles. While perfectly playable, the control scheme takes some getting used to. If you’ve tried the PC version with a controller, you’ll feel right at home here, though I’d be remiss not to mention that even after several hours of ghost hunting, some controls still feel a bit awkward.
Perhaps the most notable difference in the console version is the current limitation on voice detection features. While PC players can verbally interact with ghosts through tools like the Spirit Box and Ouija board, console players must rely on preset button commands for ghost communication. This alternative system, implemented without voice acting, somewhat dampens the immersive experience that made the PC version particularly engaging.

As with any early access title, players have encountered their fair share of technical quirks – you might notice the rain has gone on strike visually (though you can still hear it), and sometimes the hub area can be a bit finicky when you’re trying to interact with objects. The silver lining? These hiccups seem relatively minor compared to the early days of the PC version, which should give console players some peace of mind.
Another potential stumbling block for newcomers is the game’s progression system. New ghost hunters start with basic equipment that can feel limiting compared to the upgraded alternatives. However, there’s good news on this front – the developers have already indicated that adjustments to the progression system are in the works for future updates.

Don’t let these early access growing pains scare you away though – the heart-pounding core gameplay that made Phasmophobia a streaming sensation remains deliciously intact. Each ghost hunting session, typically lasting somewhere between five to ten nail-biting minutes, challenges players to gather evidence while watching their sanity slowly slip away. With twenty-four distinct ghost types, each sporting unique behaviors and evidence patterns, no two investigations feel quite the same.
The equipment system remains central to the experience, with tools ranging from EMF readers to UV lights helping players piece together the supernatural puzzle. As your sanity inevitably drops, ghost activity intensifies, potentially triggering deadly hunts where survival depends on finding the perfect hiding spot before it’s too late.

For those worried about playing with friends, rest assured that the console version maintains the game’s multiplayer focus, allowing cross-platform play between console users. The cooperative element continues to shine as teams must work together to gather evidence and survive increasingly dangerous situations as their collective sanity dwindles.
Looking ahead, Kinetic Games has outlined an ambitious roadmap for continued development. Given their track record of regular updates on PC, console players can expect similar support as the game progresses through early access. The studio has already demonstrated their commitment to improving the experience based on player feedback.

The leap to consoles comes on the heels of Phasmophobia’s staggering success on PC, where it’s managed to spook nearly 22 million players since its 2020 debut. The console version has already proven it’s no phantom success, racking up over a million sales in its own right. These numbers tell us one thing clearly – gamers across all platforms are hungry for some ghost hunting action.
Sure, there are some rough edges to smooth out, and yes, it’s still in early access. But make no mistake – Phasmophobia’s arrival on consoles is a major milestone for this indie darling. While some features could use a bit more polish, the spine-chilling core experience that turned millions of PC players into amateur ghost hunters remains wonderfully intact. For console players, it’s an invitation to step into one of gaming’s most uniquely terrifying experiences – just maybe keep the lights on for your first few investigations.
For more information about the game’s development and upcoming features, you can visit Kinetic Games’ official blog. The game is currently available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.