0.17.0|May 5, 2026
View on Steam↗Phasmophobia - Player Character Update 0.17.0.0
3/5 Moderate
12 new character models and a functional Player Watch for tracking sanity arrive alongside a complete animation overhaul and cosmetic system.
Key Changes
- 112 new high-quality character models with bios and hair customization
- 2New wearable Player Watch to track sanity and contract time
- 3Complete animation overhaul for interactions, environment, and death
- 4New cosmetic system with unlockable and purchasable clothing/accessories
- 5Removal of the 'Death Room' for a seamless transition to the dead state
- 6The Journal is now a physical in-game item instead of a UI overlay
- 7Prestige limit increased to 4000
- 8All items are now visually visible on the character model when carried
- 9Added physics to all doors for more realistic movement
- 10VR inventory belt removed in favor of model-based item slots
All Changes
👤Characters & Customization(9)
- newCharacters: Added 12 new, higher quality character models (6 male, 6 female).
- newCharacters: Introduced character bios and adjustable hair color for all models.
- newCosmetics: Added a wide array of cosmetic items including coats, shirts, and trousers with multiple color options.
- newCosmetics: Added unique shirts for prestige and event-specific achievements.
- newCosmetics: Added accessories such as piercings, hats, and glasses.
- changeCosmetics: All cosmetics are now unlockable in-game or purchasable with in-game currency.
- newCosmetics: Cursed Hollow cosmetic rewards (Mask, T-Shirt, and Necklace) are now available for all players.
- changeID Cards: ID Cards and Badges are now equipped and swapped within the customization Shop menu.
- buffPrestige: Increased the Prestige limit to 4000, though no additional unlocks are available after Prestige 20.
🔦Gameplay & Equipment(10)
- newPlayer Watch: Added a Player Watch to monitor sanity levels and contract time; it does not count as electronic equipment for ghost abilities.
- changeAnimations: Implemented a full animation overhaul for equipment interactions, environment objects, and death.
- removeDeath Room: Removed the 'Death Room' transition; players now seamlessly transition to the Dead state upon being killed.
- changeJournal: The Journal now appears as a physical in-game item when used rather than a separate UI overlay.
- changeDoors: Added physics to all doors, allowing them to continue moving after the player lets go.
- changeFlashlight: Flashlights are now held in the left hand and can be dropped when the right hand is empty.
- buffTripod: Equipment like the tripod can now be placed while the player is standing.
- changeEquipment: All items are now visually placed on the character model rather than being invisible when not equipped.
- changeSound Recorders: Tier 2 Sound Recorders are now included in the Audio Only weekly challenge.
- changeUI/UX: Increased the lowest FOV option from 60 to 70.
🥽VR Improvements(16)
- removeVR Inventory: Removed the inventory belt; all items are now placed directly on the character model.
- newVR Animations: Added an 'immersive animations' toggle to enable or disable first-person death animations.
- buffPlayer Watch: The Player Watch is now always visible in VR by raising the left hand.
- changeVR Movement: The teleport movement circle now renders on top of objects and remains invisible until the button is pressed at full stamina.
- fixJournal: Fixed an issue where the Journal could be seen by other players after the VR player died.
- fixVR: Fixed an issue causing player hands to shake in VR.
- fixSpirit Box: Fixed difficulty picking up the Spirit Box from the van wall in VR.
- fixSalt: Fixed Salt rotating with the player's body instead of their hand in VR.
- fixVR: Fixed an issue where players could interact with objects without teleport grab selected.
- fixJournal: Fixed an issue preventing players from scrolling through the Journal in the lobby.
- fixVR Movement: Fixed players sliding down stairs when using teleport locomotion.
- fixVR: Fixed an issue where players could grab items through walls in VR.
- fixFirelight: Fixed Tier 3 Firelight being held upside down or floating in multiplayer.
- fixVR: Fixed an exploit allowing players to teleport out of the Van to skip tutorial areas.
- fixDoors: Fixed an issue where doors would push VR players aside.
- fixHead Gear: Fixed Tier 1 Head Gear falling off when viewing CCTV in VR.
👻Ghost & Map Fixes(5)
- fixRaiju: Fixed an issue where the Raiju's hunt threshold only increased if equipment was held.
- fixYokai: Fixed an issue where the Yokai could hear the Music Box from too far away.
- fixJinn: Fixed an issue where the Jinn could drain sanity from players in rooms above or below it.
- fixMonkey's Paw: Fixed an issue in Prison where the Monkey's Paw trap wish did not affect sliding doors.
- fixHead Gear: Fixed Head Gear not being visible on all FOV values.
📅Coming Soon(7)
- changeEquipment: Planned removal of equipment switching animations to allow for instant switching (May 12).
- changeSalt: Salt will be placed instantly instead of waiting for the animation to finish (May 12).
- changeYurei: Planned fix for Yurei's door closing ability not fully closing doors (May 12).
- changeCursed Possessions: Planned fix for Ouija Board and Haunted Mirror dropping sideways (May 12).
- changeTarot Cards: Planned fix for doors not opening correctly while holding Tarot Cards (May 12).
- changeVideo Camera: Planned fix for Tier 3 Video Camera blocking too much of the screen (May 12).
- change10 Ridgeview Court: Planned fix for VR players being unable to open the closet door in 10 Ridgeview Court (May 12).
Summary
The Player Character Update introduces a massive overhaul to the game's visual and mechanical identity. Players can now choose from 12 high-quality character models with deep customization options, including hair color and a variety of unlockable or purchasable clothing and accessories.
New Mechanics & Equipment
A functional Player Watch has been added to all models, allowing investigators to track sanity levels and contract time in real-time. The animation system has been completely rebuilt, featuring new interactions with equipment and a revamped death sequence. Additionally, the 'Death Room' has been removed in favor of a seamless transition to the ghost state.
VR & Technical Improvements
VR players receive significant quality-of-life updates, including the removal of the inventory belt in favor of model-based item placement and improved teleportation visuals. Systemic changes include door physics, standing tripod placement, and a physical in-game Journal that replaces the previous UI overlay.