Phasmophobia Console Release Expands Horror Gaming Options

After years of PC exclusivity and several delayed release dates that kept console players holding their breath, Kinetic Games’ psychological horror hit Phasmophobia has finally crossed over to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The much-anticipated console version arrived just in time for last year’s Halloween season, and now, three months into 2025, it’s clear that this ghost-hunting simulation has found its footing in the console space, having already surpassed one million console sales.

Let’s face it – there’s something uniquely unsettling about creeping through a dark hallway with nothing but a flashlight and an EMF reader, knowing a vengeful spirit could be lurking around any corner. This is precisely the experience that has helped Phasmophobia accumulate nearly 22 million sales across all platforms since its original PC release in 2020, and now console players are getting their first taste of the nerve-wracking investigation gameplay.

At its core, Phasmophobia drops up to four players into the shoes of paranormal investigators tasked with a deceptively simple mission: identify the type of ghost haunting a location. But here’s the catch – these aren’t your friendly neighborhood Caspers. These entities become increasingly hostile as your sanity meter drops, and trust me, it will drop.

The console version preserves the white-knuckle tension that made the PC release a streaming sensation. Each investigation plays out like a deadly game of supernatural cat and mouse, typically lasting between five to ten minutes – though it often feels much longer when you’re hiding in a closet, desperately hoping the ghost won’t find you. Every session writes its own unique story, whether it’s a quick identification turned deadly or a methodical investigation that goes horrifyingly wrong.

However, the road to console hasn’t been entirely smooth. The early access release currently struggles with some notable limitations, particularly when it comes to the game’s signature voice recognition system. While PC players can verbally interact with spirits using tools like the Spirit Box, console players are currently restricted to predetermined questions activated by button presses – a solution that, while functional, loses some of the spine-chilling magic of having a real conversation with something that shouldn’t exist.

The control scheme adaptation has also raised some eyebrows. Despite the developers’ best efforts to translate the PC interface to controllers, some interactions feel a bit clunky. It’s nothing game-breaking, but veterans of the PC version might need some time to adjust to the new control scheme.

Early access growing pains have manifested in other ways too. Players have reported various technical hiccups, from absent rain effects to finicky item interactions in hub areas. While these issues don’t dramatically impact the core experience, they serve as reminders that this is very much a work in progress.

The progression system has been another point of discussion among newcomers. Fresh-faced ghost hunters might find themselves frustrated by the lengthy grind required to unlock better equipment. Starting with basic tools feels authentic to the ghost hunting experience, but the time investment needed to access the more advanced gear has led Kinetic Games to announce upcoming adjustments to the progression curve.

Yet despite these early access hurdles, Phasmophobia’s fundamental appeal remains hauntingly effective on consoles. The game still excels at creating those pitch-perfect moments of terror when the lights start flickering, and your flashlight begins to malfunction. The robust variety of ghost types – now numbering 24 distinct entities – ensures that no two investigations feel quite the same.

The game’s impressive array of locations continues to be a strong suit. From cozy suburban houses that prove anything but comfortable, to sprawling institutional settings like prisons and asylums, each map brings its own atmospheric challenges. The recent addition of the Point Hope lighthouse, inspired by its real-world Alaskan counterpart, shows that Kinetic Games isn’t content to rest on their laurels when it comes to expanding the game’s content.

This console release marks a significant milestone for Kinetic Games, especially considering the challenges they’ve faced, including a devastating office fire that contributed to multiple launch delays. While some features still await implementation, the core experience that turned Phasmophobia into a horror gaming phenomenon remains intact and compelling.

For console players who’ve been watching from the sidelines, this early access release finally opens the door to join the ghost hunting community. Yes, there are rough edges to be smoothed out, but the foundation is rock solid. As development continues through 2025, console players can look forward to regular updates that will bring their version closer to feature parity with its PC counterpart.

Phasmophobia is available now in early access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, alongside the PC version that continues to evolve since its September 2020 debut. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious newcomer, just remember to pack extra flashlight batteries – and maybe a spare pair of pants.