Phasmophobia's second Quality of Life update adds Restricted maps, VR fixes, and creepier deaths

The most significant addition in this patch is a set of new small-to-medium Restricted maps. These condensed versions are designed to speed up investigations and add variety to gameplay runs. The update introduces restricted variants for three major locations: Prison, Brownstone High School, and Point Hope. By condensing the original layouts, developers aim to offer a faster-paced alternative for players looking to complete cases more quickly.

Evidence collection has also undergone a major streamlining process. Previously, players had to manually check the in-game journal to confirm if an item had been logged. Now, this process is automated through visual cues: faded overlays and yellow LEDs on the Photo Camera, Video Camera, or Sound Recorder will indicate whether a piece of evidence has already been recorded. Additionally, when teammates select specific evidence or ghost types, these selections are now visible to the entire team, reducing the need for last-minute double-checking before a hunt begins.

For players using virtual reality headsets, the update includes a more responsive character rig that better tracks real-world body movement. This change aims to provide a smoother and more immersive experience. The patch also addresses a range of community-flagged bug fixes to improve overall stability.

The update introduces considerably more ways to die, enhancing the horror elements of the game. When a player dies, their skin turns greyer and their eyes become mistier. Furthermore, voice chat is automatically cut off the moment a player is killed, adding an extra layer of tension and realism to the ghost-hunting experience.

This release arrives a couple of months after Kinetic Games confirmed that Phasmophobia's highly anticipated 1.0 launch had slipped from this year into 2027. The studio stated it was prioritizing quality over speed following a rocky reception to its previous Player Character Update. In numerous patches and hotfixes released since, the studio explained how it has been working through player feedback to provide "a much better experience for everyone playing Phasmophobia." The team admitted that the frustration and disappointment from the community were clear and expressed their commitment to earning back trust.

The update is currently available on PC and PlayStation (including PS5 and PlayStation VR2). The Xbox Series X/S version is set to follow. This patch represents a significant step forward in refining the game's mechanics and addressing community concerns, marking a new chapter for Kinetic Games as they move into indie publishing while focusing entirely on the horror genre.