Kinetic Games has unveiled an extensive roadmap for its popular ghost-hunting title, Phasmophobia, culminating in a highly anticipated 1.0 release in 2026. This comprehensive plan includes a significant overhaul of the game's horror elements and lore, a network and Unity 6 engine upgrade, and a complete redesign of player character models. The developers are also dedicating efforts to renovating existing maps, starting with Tanglewood, and introducing a brand-new, unique location, promising an enriched and more terrifying experience for players as the game approaches its official launch.
As Phasmophobia nears its sixth anniversary in early access, the forthcoming 1.0 launch represents a pivotal moment for the game. The core of this transition is the “Horror 2.0” update, which Kinetic Games describes as the most substantial part of the release, designed to deliver novel scares and surprises even to veteran ghost hunters. This update promises to redefine the ghost and game mechanics, building upon years of incremental improvements while maintaining an air of mystery around the specific details to maximize player impact upon release.
A long-awaited player character overhaul, initially slated for Q4 2025, has been rescheduled for Q1 2026. This update will introduce diverse and distinct character models, addressing a common player concern about character monotony. Furthermore, it will include a variety of free cosmetic items, allowing players to personalize their avatars without relying on microtransactions or live service models, reinforcing Kinetic Games' commitment to community-focused development.
In addition to character improvements, several existing maps are set for significant renovations. Following the successful reworks of the farmhouse maps, Tanglewood Drive will receive an “extreme home makeover” in Q1 2026. The developers aim to enhance the atmospheric detail and immersive quality of this beloved map. Later in the year, 13 Willow Street will undergo a similar transformation, and a new, as-yet-undisclosed map will be introduced, promising a fresh and distinctive gameplay environment that deviates from current offerings.
Finally, the game's event calendar is set to expand beyond its recurring seasonal celebrations like Cursed Hollow, Crimson Eye, and Winter's Jest. Kinetic Games is planning a secret fourth limited-time event for the year, alongside the regular schedule. While details remain sparse, this new event is expected to bring additional content and challenges to the Phasmophobia community, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
The upcoming 1.0 release and its accompanying updates are poised to significantly evolve Phasmophobia, promising a more refined, terrifying, and personalized ghost-hunting adventure for players.
