Phasmophobia Introduces Enhanced Lighting and Gameplay Changes

The popular indie horror game Phasmophobia has rolled out a new update, focusing on improving lighting dynamics and addressing gameplay adjustments.
Phasmophobia Introduces Enhanced Lighting and Gameplay Changes

Highlights

  • The latest update (v0.9.4.0) of Phasmophobia implements new lighting systems, including Eye Adaptation and SSGI, to offer a more realistic portrayal of light adjustments and bounced lighting.
  • Changes include enhancements to hiding spots in the Grafton farmhouse, fixes for various glitches and safe spots in different locations, and adjustments to brightness sliders, demonstrating the developer's dedication to delivering an immersive ghost-hunting journey.
  • The update not only addresses player feedback but also enhances the overall horror experience, showcasing the developer's commitment to refining the game's atmospheric aspects.

The well-loved horror game Phasmophobia has just unveiled update v0.9.4.0, introducing new features to elevate lighting dynamics and implementing various other changes. This latest update aims to address player feedback and refine the atmospheric aspects of Phasmophobia.

Phasmophobia is an engaging multiplayer horror game created by Kinetic Games. Since its release in 2020, it has captivated many with its unique blend of cooperative gameplay and paranormal investigation. In this game, players take on the roles of ghost hunters equipped with an array of tools to engage with supernatural entities. The primary goal is to explore haunted locations, collect evidence, and ultimately identify the type of ghost haunting the site. With support for virtual reality and a captivating sound design, Phasmophobia delivers an immersive experience, making it a standout title in the horror genre.

The new update brings a host of features designed to enhance lighting dynamics. The Journal now includes new graphics settings such as Eye Adaptation and Screen Space Global Illumination (SSGI), which promise a more realistic representation of light adjustments and bounced lighting. Static lighting across all locations has undergone a significant transformation, along with an increase in ambient light. Furthermore, external light sources like the moon and streetlights now filter through windows, adding an unsettling realism to the gameplay. Larger rooms, such as farmhouses, intentionally appear darker, contributing to the overall immersive atmosphere of Phasmophobia.

In addition to the new lighting features, several changes have been made to the game. These include the removal of the Holiday Event, adjustments to brightness sliders, and improvements to hiding spots in the Grafton farmhouse. The player's post-processing has been fine-tuned to enhance the cinematic colors, and performance improvements have been made when toggling the fuse box, heightening the chilling experience of Phasmophobia. Notably, ghost writing books are no longer susceptible to being thrown by poltergeist abilities.

The update also addresses various fixes, such as the restoration of metallic doorknobs' shine, the resolution of several safe spots in Willow, and the correction of item requirements in weekly challenges like "Deja Vu" and "Glow in the Dark." Glitches and safe spots in various locations in Sunny Meadows and Campsite A and B in Maple Lodge Campsite have also been rectified.

The enhanced lighting systems and adjustments not only addressed players' previous concerns but also improved the horror experience. This underscores the developer's commitment to ensuring a seamless and immersive ghost-hunting journey in Phasmophobia.

Phasmophobia Patch Notes 0.9.4.0:

NEW

  • The Journal now includes new graphics settings:
    • Eye Adaption: Simulates your eyes adjusting to light or dark areas over time
    • Screen Space Global Illumination (SSGI): Simulates bounced lighting, making lighting and shadows appear less dark. Three quality settings are available, considering the potential impact on performance.
  • Significant overhaul of static lighting in all locations
  • Increase in ambient light
  • External light sources (moon, street lights) now shine through windows
  • Intentional darkening of larger rooms or rooms with darker materials, such as farmhouses

CHANGES

  • Removal of the Holiday Event
  • Quicker and more consistent updates to reflections when lights are toggled on or off
  • Adjustment of brightness sliders, considering the new brighter ambient light
  • Adjustment of the cursor brightness slider
  • Relocation of the wardrobe and lights in the Nursery in Grafton for improved lighting
  • Adjustment of the range and brightness of the passive player light
  • Adjustment of the range and brightness of several location lights for a more realistic appearance
  • Grafton hiding spots
    • The upstairs hallway armchair and nursery crib now serve as hiding zones and can be blocked
    • The upstairs armchair has been repositioned closer to the wall for increased safety
  • Fine-tuning of player post-processing to introduce slightly more cinematic colors
  • Improved performance when toggling the fuse box
  • Ghost writing books can no longer be thrown by poltergeist abilities

FIXES

  • Restoration of the shine on metallic door knobs
  • Resolution of several safe spots in Willow
  • Correction of item requirements in the “Deja Vu” weekly challenge
  • Correction of the state of the Fuse Box in the “Glow in the Dark” weekly challenge: Broken
  • Correction of the evidence count in the “Hide and Seek: Extreme” weekly challenge
  • Adjustment of several reflection probes in Tanglewood to prevent glowing objects when a light is turned on in a different room
  • Ability to take a photo of the Sunny Meadows summoning circle
  • Correct display of detections on the truck map by motion sensors
  • Rectification of safe spots in the Sunny Meadows male room 5 and Maple Campsite Storage Tent 2
  • Prevention of the ghost getting stuck on the fallen down locker in the School hallway
  • Correct functionality of Campsite A and B in Maple Lodge Campsite