The Ascension update for Phasmophobia brings a major overhaul to the equipment system, introducing tiers that affect each item’s performance. Tier 1 gear is your starting point—basic, limited, but still effective when used wisely.

This guide will walk you through every Tier 1 item, how to use it efficiently, and key strategies for thriving in early-game hunts.

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🔧 General Tier 1 Equipment Tips

• Placing Equipment:
  Hold the secondary use button near a valid surface, then rotate with your mouse to adjust orientation before placing.
• Consumables:
  Some items (e.g., Smudge Sticks, Sanity Pills) are one-time use and must be re-purchased after each contract.
• Flashlight Warning:
  If your flashlight is on—even in your inventory—it can attract ghosts during hunts. Always turn it off when hiding.

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🧰 Tier 1 Equipment Breakdown

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🔦 Flashlight

• Weak light with reduced visibility.
• Tips:
  • Turn it off when hiding.
  • Flickering = ghost nearby or start of a hunt.

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🟢 D.O.T.S. Projector

• Projects silhouettes of certain ghost types (e.g., Goryo).
• Tips:
  • Best in dark ghost rooms.
  • Use with a video camera for remote viewing from the van.

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📶 EMF Reader

• Detects interactions within 1.7 meters.
• Tips:
  • EMF Level 5 appears only if it’s a valid evidence type.
  • Avoid relying on it during hunts—it malfunctions.

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📖 Ghost Writing Book

• Small and low detection range.
• Tips:
  • Place multiple books in high-activity spots.

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🚪 Motion Sensor

• Detects movement and shows activity in the van.
• Tips:
  • Place in doorways or hallways the ghost passes through.
  • Listen for its beep to confirm a trigger.

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📻 Spirit Box

• Picks up ghost voice responses.
• Tips:
  • Stand within 3 meters of the ghost.
  • Turn off room lights for best results.
  • Use motion sensors to track ghost movement.

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🌡 Thermometer

• Stabilizes slowly; old-school design.
• Tips:
  • Leave it in the ghost room for a few minutes.
  • Monitor trends—not just instant readings.

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🧂 Salt

• Used for tracking ghost movement.
• Tips:
  • Place in walkways or active areas.
  • Check for footprints immediately with UV.

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💡 UV Light (Glow Stick)

• Glows brightly for ~1 minute.
• Tips:
  • Shake to “recharge” light briefly.
  • Leave next to evidence for photo lighting.

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🎥 Video Camera

• Records ghost orbs and D.O.T.S.
• Tips:
  • Use night vision to spot orbs.
  • Mount on tripods for stable viewing.

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✝️ Crucifix

• Prevents hunts within 3m.
• Tips:
  • Only one use at Tier 1.
  • Check the indicator ring for placement range.

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🕯 Candle + Matches

• Sanity protector and ghost interaction trigger.
• Tips:
  • Relight with matches if blown out.
  • Take photos of extinguished candles for interaction evidence.

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🎥 Headcam

• Streams your POV to the van.
• Tips:
  • Turn it off during hunts—it can attract the ghost.

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🌿 Incense (Smudge Stick)

• Protects you during hunts and resets ghost aggression.
• Tips:
  • Smudge within 3m to blind the ghost briefly.
  • Use during calm periods to reset hunt timers.

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🎧 Parabolic Microphone

• Detects distant sounds.
• Tips:
  • Point it directly at rooms/doors.
  • Best used to supplement, not replace, other tools.

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📸 Photo Camera

• Limited to 10 useful photos per contract.
• Tips:
  • Center the red circle for a guaranteed 3-star photo.
  • Prioritize interactions, bones, and cursed items.

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💊 Sanity Pills

• Restores sanity based on difficulty.
• Tips:
  • Use after dropping below 50% to avoid early hunts.
  • Save them for mid-to-late investigations.

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🔊 Sound Sensor

• Detects noise in designated radius.
• Tips:
  • Adjust range (5m–10m) in the van.
  • Great for locating the ghost early, especially on larger maps.

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❄️ New Freezing Temperature Mechanics

• Visible Breath:
  Now appears below 5°C, not just at freezing.
• Freezing Evidence:
  Confirmed only when temps drop below 0°C. Always double-check with a thermometer.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Tier 1 gear may feel basic, but it’s designed to teach fundamentals and encourage strategic teamwork. With smart placement, coordination, and a bit of patience, even basic tools can lead to a successful identification.

As you progress, unlock higher-tier versions for more reliable detection and faster results.

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