Phasmophobia errors and common problems

Can't join a lobby: Crossplay off, wrong region or old version

Means

You cannot see your friend's lobby or join it with a code. Kinetic Games points to Crossplay settings, a region that differs from the host, a wrong code or an outdated game.

First step

Turn Crossplay on under Options > Game. All steps

Keeps disconnecting: Network, firewall or regional blocks

Means

You get dropped from games or kicked from a lobby right after you create it. Kinetic Games points to unstable networks, firewalls or antivirus, and limits set by schools, providers or countries.

First step

Restart your router and Steam, and use a wired connection if you can. All steps

Game crashes or freezes: Damaged files or old graphics drivers

Means

The game closes or locks up. Kinetic Games says checking the game files and updating the graphics driver fixes about 90% of these cases.

First step

In Steam, right-click Phasmophobia, open Properties > Local Files and run Verify Integrity of Game Files. All steps

Voice recognition not working: Extra mics or audio apps get in the way

Means

The Spirit Box does not react when you ask questions. Kinetic Games says several active microphones and third-party audio tools are the usual causes.

First step

Open Options > Audio and speak; the Current Microphone Input bar should move. All steps

Stuck loading at 90%: Heavy graphics settings or old launch options

Means

The loading screen stops at 90%, or the game stutters and lags. Kinetic Games suggests lighter settings and removing old launch options such as DirectX 10, which is no longer supported.

First step

Set the in-game graphics to the lowest values. All steps

No XP or money: Save file blocked by malware or antivirus

Means

You finish a contract but get no experience or money and do not see the ghost type. Kinetic Games says the game cannot read or write the save file, usually because of malware or strict antivirus.

First step

Run a full scan with Malwarebytes and remove what it finds. All steps

Failed to connect to voice server: Clock, firewall or network blocks voice chat

Means

Voice chat cannot reach its server. Kinetic Games links it to an out-of-sync system clock, firewall or antivirus blocks, missing permissions or networks that limit voice traffic.

First step

Open Date & Time settings and press Sync Now. All steps

UnityPlayer.DLL: Crash tied to a damaged Unity engine file

Means

The game crashes and the crash report names UnityPlayer.DLL. Kinetic Games lists a clean reinstall of this file among its crash fixes.

First step

Open the Steam\steamapps\common\Phasmophobia folder. All steps

Hacker Detected: Usually a false warning on screen

Means

A Hacker Detected warning appears even though you are not cheating. Kinetic Games says it is usually a false visual error.

First step

Close the game fully and start it again. All steps

Failed to Load: Badge display bug in the menus

Means

Parts of the menu show Failed to Load. Kinetic Games traces this to a badge display error.

First step

Open the Badge Selection screen. All steps