Phasmophobia adds visible bodies, avatar options ahead of 1.0

Kinetic Games released the Player Character Update for Phasmophobia, adding visible player bodies, basic avatar customization and teammate-visible equipment as the studio prepares the game’s full 1.0 launch later this year.

For the first time players can look down and see legs. Characters now hold items more naturally and move through environments with revised animations. Equipment that is not actively held appears on characters so teammates can identify who is carrying which tools without pausing the investigation. Flashlight placement and handedness were adjusted so items do not appear fixed in place.

The update introduces basic avatar customization to reduce repeated character models in lobbies. Players can change hair color and outfits. The change builds on existing ID card backgrounds and badge features. Kinetic Games plans to add more customization options over time.

Animation work accompanied the visible-character changes. Walking, running and interaction animations were revised for consistency. Death sequences were rewritten to add more weight and impact when a player is killed. The developer described the work as substantial and part of the path to the 1.0 release.

Kinetic Games removed several prior visual quirks, including exaggerated spine bends and awkward postures. The studio said those quirks sometimes undermined tense moments and that the new animations aim to preserve player-to-player levity without breaking immersion.

The studio framed the update as both cosmetic and functional. Making hands and bodies visible and showing teammate equipment are intended to improve in-game communication and coordination. Kinetic Games warned that the new death animations are more dramatic and that dying could lead to lost equipment more often while mechanics are refined.

Phasmophobia entered Early Access nearly six years ago and has expanded with new ghost types, tools and map changes. The cooperative game supports up to four players, features a range of ghost-hunting equipment such as EMF readers and spirit boxes, and includes multiple haunted locations and difficulty settings.

Kinetic Games’ Art Director wrote, “You now have a body,” and described the player character rework as a long-term project the team began planning years ago and completed as the game approaches full release.