Phasmophobia Set For Massive 2026 With 1.0 Launch, Character Overhaul, New Event, And Horror 2.0

Kinetic Games has laid out an ambitious 2026 for Phasmophobia, with the ghost-hunting phenomenon set to leave early access and launch its 1.0 version this year. The full release will be accompanied by a significant "horror rework and lore update," promising to inject new scares and narrative depth into the experience. This long-awaited Horror 2.0, a "large horror overhaul of the ghost and game mechanics," is now being referred to as Phasmophobia 1.0, indicating it will be the most substantial part of the official launch. The update aims to provide "even the most seasoned Ghost Hunter a host of new scares and surprises."

EGW.News reported earlier that 2026 is poised to be one of the biggest years for Phasmophobia, as developer Kinetic Games plans to move the ghost-hunting title out of Early Access. A transformative update known as Horror 2.0 will refresh the experience by reworking core elements to recapture the game's original thrill. This update will also mark the official Version 1.0 release and will include major overhauls to character models, animations, and one of the original maps. The changes are so extensive that the creator believes players will feel like they’re diving into an entirely new game.

A major player character overhaul, originally slated for late 2025, has been rescheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This update will introduce new, unique character models, finally allowing players to differentiate themselves from their teammates. The overhaul also includes free cosmetic options for avatar customization. Kinetic Games has emphasized a focus on realism with new animations and movements for actions like opening doors, swapping equipment, and using items, all designed to enhance player immersion.

"This year is set to be a big one for Phasmophobia, and we are so excited for our 1.0 launch, which will be one of the biggest moments since we released the game.

— Daniel Knight, CEO of Kinetic Games

Map reworks are also a key focus for the year. The iconic 6 Tanglewood Drive will receive a complete makeover in the first quarter of 2026, with 13 Willow Street to follow later in the year. These reworks will feature updated visuals and new assets, bringing them in line with the game's evolving aesthetic. A brand-new map is also on the horizon, which Kinetic Games says "will bring a new style of location to the game," though further details remain under wraps.

Phasmophobia 2026 Events

The established seasonal events—Cursed Hollow for Easter, Crimson Eye for Halloween, and Winter's Jest for the holidays—are all confirmed to return. In addition to these recurring haunts, a mysterious fourth limited-time event is planned for sometime during the year, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Phasmophobia event calendar.

The game is also set for a Unity 6 and network update, which will hopefully address some connection issues, and a launch on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Upcoming Updates

Player Character and Tanglewood Update (Q1):

• New, unique player character models.
• Free cosmetic customization options.
• Complete visual and gameplay rework of 6 Tanglewood Drive.

Horror 2.0 (with 1.0 Launch):

• A major overhaul of ghost and game mechanics.
• New scares and surprises for seasoned players.
• Lore update integrated with the 1.0 release.

Future Updates:

• A visual and gameplay rework of 13 Willow Street.
• A brand-new map with a unique location style.
• A new, limited-time event.

Read also, a fun fact about the game is that the developer of Phasmophobia never intended for it to be a horror game. He originally envisioned a much different experience, but the project evolved into the ghost-hunting game that has captivated players worldwide.