Quick Links
One of the most formidable tests of your paranormal prowess inPhasmophobiais Challenge Mode. This special weekly task pits you against a ghost in an entirely unique setting, where you must use the tools you’re given to successfully complete the investigation.
Added as part ofPhasmophobia’s landmarkChronicle(v0.13) content update, the On Record challenge is one of the latest in the game’s challenge mode series. If you’re wondering how to tackle it, here’s what to expect and how best to achieve success.
How to Start the On Record Challenge
To complete the On Record challenge inPhasmophobia, you first need to go to your Difficulty Settings in the main menu. Scroll over until you find the named challenge (listed right after ‘Insanity’ difficulty) and select ‘Apply’ in the bottom-right corner. This will automatically set your next contract to the challenge itself.
Now pivot left over to the Map selection board and look forBleasdale Farmhousein the bottom-left corner. Select it, as the challenge must be completed on this specific map. Similar to other challenges in the game, you’ll be given a customized equipment loadout that cannot be altered in any way.
The base reward for this challenge is$5,000. To receive full credit and rewards for the challenge, you mustcomplete this investigation three timesat the same location. Upon departing and receiving your debriefing after the third investigation, the base challenge reward will be applied toward the rest of your accrued points for all other objectives.
On Record Challenge Rules
The On Record challenge takes place at the Bleasdale Farmhouse, which is a two-story (three if you count the attic) location with an outdoor backyard area that also serves as a potential hotspot for the ghost. The outdoor lights automatically turn on and off in response to nearby movement, so be aware of that.
Once you arrive, get familiar with your customized loadout, the van’s camera setup, your optional objectives, and everything else on the nearby monitors (e.g. sanity, map layout, ghost activity meter). This challenge starts you off with100% sanity, and you’ll be able to replenish it when needed (a rarity in Challenge Mode).
As soon as you open the entrance to the farmhouse, the1-minute setup timer will start. This serves as your grace period until the ghost is free to roam and hunt as it sees fit. Use that time to find the ghost’s favorite room/area as soon as possible, as there are several places to check. Thefuse box will start on, which is one less thing for you to worry about. Still, make note of its location, in case it gets turned off later.
For this particular challenge, the ghost will exhibithigh levels of activity, which is a big advantage not only for pinpointing its location quickly, but also for gathering evidence (includingforced evidence) and media. The ghost can potentially roam to a different room if given enough time, but that’s still unlikely to happen (on par with Normal difficulty). One other unique rule for the challenge is that"fingerprint" ultraviolet evidence will last up to three minutes before it vanishes, giving you plenty of time to take photos and make note of it in the Evidence tab of your journal.
Finally, while the challenge’s official description mentions the words “can you get a perfect game?”, you’re not required to get a Perfect Investigation bonus. Like any other challenge in the game,you only need to correctly guess the ghost’s identity to receive credit toward challenge completion.
On Record Challenge Loadout & Cursed Objects
The loadout you’re provided for this challenge is a reliable spread ofTier 2 equipment(with Tier 1 Firelights as an exception), with three things missing: Sound Sensors, Parabolic Microphones, and one less Photo Camera. These items don’t deprive you of any particular type of evidence, so their loss isn’t detrimental. However, it can potentially compromise your ability to complete all three optional objectives (for example, if you get one that requires the Parabolic Microphone). So, be aware that Perfect Investigations aren’t guaranteed.
Since your first priority is to find the ghost’s favorite room/area, it’s best tostart with a flashlight, an EMF Reader, and a Thermometer. This allows you to pick up any EMF readings related to ghost activity, and the ghost room will always be the coldest. Once you find the spot, verify to place at least one Crucifix in the room soon after, in case the ghost is capable of hunting at a higher sanity percentage.
Compared to other notoriously difficult challenges in the game (such asSanity Survival), this one is surprisingly easy and straightforward. The main challenge here is filling the Media tab in your journal with photos, videos, and sound recordings, if you’re looking for maximum returns. Remember that you need to use theSound Recorderfor the latter.
There is one Cursed Object provided for this challenge: theMusic Box. It will always spawn in the same spot on this map, which is on a shelf in the tea room directly to the left of the main entrance to the house (as seen above). You can always use the Cursed Object during any investigation to take a ‘Unique’ photo. If you want to use it, be aware that doing so willdrop your sanity as low as 50%. The music box will cause the ghost to spawn nearby andperform a singing event, which can also be used for a sound recording and/or a video clip.
However, make sure not to use up the Music Box entirely, as doing so will cause it to combust and trigger a Cursed Hunt near your location. Cursed Objects can help turn the tide in a difficult investigation, but they should always be used with caution.
