The team behind Phasmophobia has put a lot of effort into creating a more grounded ghost hunting experience. I, for one, applaud the developer’s efforts to realistically depict someone who can barely run for three seconds (I am so out of shape, I’m non-euclidean).
What else makes it such an intriguing horror game is the pretty accurate array of tools to help you identify spectral beings. One of those is a good old-fashioned thermometer, as some Phas ghosties turn their room into popsicles with freezing temps.
We’re all aware – whether we’re believers or not – that ghostly activity is typically linked with a sudden drop in temperatures; sometimes referred to as “cold spots.” Phasmo embraces that idea, so we’re going to take a quick look at the game’s Thermometers and how each tier can help you identify what type of apparition you’re dealing with.
How does the Thermometer in Phasmophobia work?
We’ve all been there. We’ve all experienced illness where we’ve been left to sweat it out in bed. We all know what it’s like to have a thermometer jammed into our mouth and other orifices (orifi?). If you’re old school, it’s waiting to see that red or blue line move up the scale, letting you know there’s no P.E. for you today (hoorah!).
You know how they work, even if you don’t know how they work. Well, the ones in Phasmo are exactly the same. The game incorporates environmental temperatures into each investigation. All ghosts and ghost rooms will see temperatures drop, which clues you into where you should focus on.
However, it’s the presence of subzero temperatures that are a big clue, as only some apparitions will make temperatures drop that low. It used to be that seeing your foggy breath was a surefire way to determine whether you were in a freezing room or not. Over time, though, the Thermometer has become more important.
The three Tiers of the Thermometer
Like all items in Phasmophobia—such as the Spirit Box—the Thermometer comes in three tiers:
Thermometer unlock requirements:
- T1 Thermometer, available immediately
- T2 Thermometer, level 36
- T3 Thermometer, level 64
Weirdly, the Tier 1 Thermometer is arguably the best one. As it’s just a simple one with the classic red liquid inside that rises or falls, it works passively. This means you only have to hold it in your hand and wait a couple of seconds to see a real-time change in temperatures. Also, because it’s non-digital, it doesn’t get interfered with during a ghost hunt, which also makes it a vital in challenges banning electrical equipment.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 are digital, giving visual readouts on a small screen. While they work by emitting a ray a short distance in front of you—thus giving you a reading from further away—they require more interaction. For starters, you need to turn them on. Then, when you need to take a reading, you hold down the right-mouse button (default). The difference between Tier 2 and Tier 3 is the latter provides a much quicker reading.
Some additional tips for freezing temps
The Thermometer in Phasmophobia is a pretty straightforward, though ultimately useful, tool in helping you identify the ghost type. However, for that extra dose of help, here are some tips and things to consider when using it:
- The temperature readout is set to Celsius by default. You can change it to Fahrenheit in the settings.
- A lot of players find the Tier 1 Thermometer superior to the other two for reasons already mentioned.
- When deciding where the ghost room is, be on the lookout for temperatures in single digits (for Celsius). Some suggest around 5°, but I often find anything below 10° should be a good indication.
- Do be wary of cold weather or investigating outside locations, such as Maple Lodge Campsite, as temperatures will naturally be a bit colder so you may need to wait for much lower readouts to be certain.
- All three tiers cost $30 in the store.
