Phasmophobia, the ghost hunter simulator, now offers a creepier version of Old Saint Nick. This holiday-themed expansion comes on the heels of the recent Cursed Possessions update, which brought tarot cards and other eerie necessities to the terrifying multiplayer game.
Players in Phasmophobia take on the role of paranormal investigators who are dispatched on contracts to identify harmful spirits in various locations. Rather than offering players weapons like similar modern survival horror titles, Phasmophobia instead provides ghost hunting equipment, including journals, flashlights, and cameras, creating a gameplay experience characterized by great vulnerability and anxiety. Each challenge can be completed solo or with up to four other players, and the game includes VR compatibility for those who are extremely fearless. Phasmophobia, like many modern viral video games, receives regular upgrades and material dumps, with October’s Slenderman update being a particularly prominent example.
Slenderman is a modern horror legend, but creator Kinetic Games has decided to add a more unusual creature to the game: Santa Claus. According to Eurogamer, this joyful ghost may be found near the Maple Campsite, which is blanketed in fresh snow. This eerie Santa will arrive in the sound of jingle bells and compel gamers to escape. Since the update’s release, users like streamer Otter Lady have been surprised by this new inclusion, as there was no mention of Santa Claus being introduced to the game; the patch notes merely claim that a “new ghost kind” will be appearing.
The addition of Kris Kringle to the game is sure to be viewed as a cute detail by players, but it is far from the only (or scariest) new integration that came with this most recent update; the holiday patch also added summoning circles to Phasmophobia, as well as a voodoo doll and new questions for the in-game Ouija Board. The patch notes teased even more new secrets, features, and Easter eggs, so players may find more frightening seasonal tidbits in the coming weeks.
Since its release in 2020, Phasmophobia has earned a lot of love and attention, even receiving the prize for Best Debut Game at last year’s The Game Awards. This praise is largely due to the game’s great, unique gameplay, but constant support from Kinetic Games is sure to keep the game in the spotlight. Gamers will have to wait and see what the future holds for the game’s blockbuster success.
