Equipment and Tier Upgrades Guide
Phasmophobia features a three-tier item progression system introduced in the Ascension update. Completing contracts and earning XP unlocks higher equipment tiers that provide improved range, faster detection times, and specialized utility.
This guide details all item tiers, unlock milestones, upgrade investment costs, and advanced sensor grid deployment strategies.
Equipment Tiers and Upgrade Costs Matrix
Upgrading gear requires reaching specific account level thresholds and paying one-time upgrade investments.
| Equipment Item | Tier II Unlock Level | Tier II Upgrade Cost | Tier III Unlock Level | Tier III Upgrade Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMF Reader | Level 20 | $3,000 | Level 52 | $4,500 |
| Spirit Box | Level 27 | $3,000 | Level 54 | $6,000 |
| Thermometer | Level 36 | $3,000 | Level 64 | $3,000 |
| D.O.T.S. Projector | Level 29 | $3,000 | Level 60 | $6,000 |
| Crucifix | Level 37 | $4,000 | Level 90 | $20,000 |
| Incense | Level 42 | $3,000 | Level 85 | $15,000 |
| Sanity Medication | Level 39 | $3,000 | Level 77 | $7,000 |
Evidence Detection Gear Tiers
EMF Reader ($40-$45 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 1): Analog needle display. Small detection radius, low audio feedback accuracy.
- Tier II (Level 20 - $3,000 Upgrade): Digital screen with 5 lit LEDs and distinct audio tones per level.
- Tier III (Level 52 - $4,500 Upgrade): Distance radar array. Tracks direction, distance, and up to 3 simultaneous interaction signals within a 3.5-meter radius.
Spirit Box ($50 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 1): Vintage analog radio. Slow sweep speed and low response probability.
- Tier II (Level 27 - $3,000 Upgrade): Standard radio with medium sweep speed and screen response indicator.
- Tier III (Level 54 - $6,000 Upgrade): Advanced digital audio receiver. Fast sweep speed, built-in noise filter, and highest inherent response rate.
Thermometer ($30 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 1): Mercury liquid tube. Takes 10-15 seconds to equalize room ambient temperature.
- Tier II (Level 36 - $3,000 Upgrade): Electronic digital gauge. Provides instant temperature readings when right-clicking.
- Tier III (Level 64 - $3,000 Upgrade): Infrared thermal scanner. Scans ambient room temperatures instantly across medium distances.
D.O.T.S. Projector ($65 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 1): Handheld laser pen pointer. Small grid spot.
- Tier II (Level 29 - $3,000 Upgrade): Stationary floor tripod module. Emits a static green laser matrix.
- Tier III (Level 60 - $6,000 Upgrade): Motorized laser scanner. Sweeps high-intensity laser grids across vast room volumes.
Survival and Utility Gear Tiers
Crucifix ($30 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 7): 3-meter radius (4.5m vs Demon). 1 charge.
- Tier II (Level 37 - $4,000 Upgrade): 4-meter radius (6m vs Demon). 2 charges.
- Tier III (Level 90 - $20,000 Upgrade): 5-meter radius (7.5m vs Demon). 2 charges. Uniquely blocks Cursed Hunts if placed adjacent to a Cursed Possession before activation (burns both charges).
Incense ($15 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 14): 5-second smoke burn. Pacifies hunting ghost for 5s.
- Tier II (Level 42 - $3,000 Upgrade): 6-second smoke burn. Slows ghost movement during hunts.
- Tier III (Level 85 - $15,000 Upgrade): 7-second smoke burn. Completely halts a charging ghost in its tracks for a moment while blinding it.
Sanity Medication ($20 unit cost)
- Tier I (Level 14): Slowly restores sanity over 10 seconds.
- Tier II (Level 39 - $3,000 Upgrade): Restores 30% sanity rapidly.
- Tier III (Level 77 - $7,000 Upgrade): Restores sanity rapidly and applies a passive movement speed boost to the player.
Sensor Grid Deployment Dynamics
Mastering sensor grids is critical for large-scale maps like Brownstone High School or Sunny Meadows.
Large Map Sensor Triangulation Grid:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Sound Sensor Wing A] │
│ │
│ [Motion Sensor 1] ──► [Ghost Room] ◄── [Motion Sensor 2] │
│ │
│ [Sound Sensor Wing B] │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- Tier III Sound Sensors: Provide a massive 15-meter spherical detection radius. Placing two or three Sound Sensors at main hallway intersections allows the team to triangulate ghost footsteps and thrown items on the truck monitor in minutes.
- Tier III Motion Sensors: Deploy laser grid perimeters around the ghost room corridor. Monitoring the order in which laser beams trip reveals the ghost's roaming direction, allowing players to place D.O.T.S. arrays along high-traffic paths.
Loadout Recommendations
Beginner Solo Loadout
- 1x Flashlight
- 1x Thermometer
- 1x EMF Reader
- 1x Spirit Box
- 1x Video Camera
- 1x Crucifix
Full Team Intermediate/Professional Loadout
- 4x Flashlights (highest tier unlocked)
- 2x Thermometers
- 2x EMF Readers
- 2x Spirit Boxes
- 2x D.O.T.S. Projectors
- 2x Ghost Writing Books
- 4x Crucifixes
- 4x Incense + Lighters
- 4x Sanity Medication
- 2x Video Cameras + Tripods
tip
Always place Tier I Thermometer in the room early since liquid mercury gauges require 10-15 seconds to register actual room temperature drops.