Phasmophobia: How to Know When a Hunt Starts?

Last Updated on 26 February, 2024

Ghost hunting in Phasmophobia is all fun and games till the tables turn and now it’s the ghost hunting you! Unless you’re aware that a hunt has begun, saving yourself from death can be tricky.

So, here are a few signs and hints you can look out for to know when a hunt has begun!

How to Know When a Hunt Stars?

During a hunt, the ghosts in the location materialize and roam around the area to find and kill the players.

However, players frequently need clarification about the starting point of the hunt. Often they are unaware that a hunt has begun and lose precious lives as a result. Here are some signs that will inform you that a hunt has begun:

• When a hunt begins the lights in the area begin to flicker.
• The ghosts won’t move or be visible for a few seconds (the grace period for the players). The ghost will materialize after the grace period.
• The front door will close and lock at the beginning. Listen closely to the locking sound.
• If there is any equipment nearby the ghost will cause them to malfunction.
• You may hear a unique sound made by the ghost as it begins the hunt.
• All the exit doors in the investigation area will be locked.
• Light switches will stop working during the hunt.

Regular vs Cursed Hunt

For a regular Hunt, there is a cooldown period of 25 seconds after a regular hunt ends before the next one will start. However, this does not apply to cursed hunts.

Cursed hunts ignore the rules of the cooldown period and can start immediately after the regular hunt has ended.

How a Hunt Starts

A hunt begins with a grace period of a few seconds wherein the players have the opportunity to escape and hide. During this time the ghosts remain invisible and still. All the exit doors get locked during this period to prevent players from entering or exiting the investigation area.

Depending on the difficulty level of the hunt, the grace period can last for the following durations:

Amateur: 5 seconds
Intermediate: 4 seconds
Professional: 3 seconds
Nightmare: 2 seconds
Insanity: 2 seconds
Cursed Hunt: 1 second
Custom Hunt: 1 to 5 seconds

Conclusion

Keeping these signs of a hunt in mind will help you identify the starting point of a hunt and allow you to utilize the grace period so you have some edge over the ghosts. So, the next time you are caught in a hunt, look for these signs and increase your chances of survival!