How to Light a Summoning Circle in Phasmophobia: 1 Minute to Master Summoning Circles

Lighting a summoning circle in Phasmophobia is an exciting yet risky way to trigger ghost events and gather evidence in your investigations. The summoning circle is a cursed possession added to the game, and interacting with it can change the flow of a hunt. Here’s how you can safely and effectively light a summoning circle step by step:

1. Locate the Summoning Circle: The summoning circle usually spawns in specific preset locations on the current map. Check basements, attics, or large open rooms. You’ll see a pentagram drawn in blood with five unlit red candles.
2. Find a Lighter: Before interacting with the summoning circle, you need a lighter (sometimes found in the truck or the house). The lighter is essential for lighting the candles safely.
3. Prepare Your Equipment: Bring all necessary investigation tools (EMF, UV, cameras, etc.) near the circle for quick deployment. Plan your escape route ahead of time.
4. Light All Five Candles: With the lighter equipped, stand next to the summoning circle and interact to light the candles one by one. When the fifth candle is lit, the summoning circle will instantly spawn the ghost and start a cursed hunt. Be ready!
5. Capture Evidence (Optional): While the ghost is trapped in the circle for a few seconds, use this moment to take photos (for extra reward money) or gather evidence safely before escaping.
6. Run!: After a brief period, the ghost will break free and begin to hunt. Quickly escape using your planned route, use smudge sticks if necessary, and regroup with your team.

As a designer, I appreciate the deliberate placement and lighting of interactive objects, much like how we strategize the placement of lighting and decorative elements in a detailed room design to create impactful ambiance and function. The summoning circle adds a powerful visual and functional centerpiece—one that requires strategic thinking both in gaming and in design.

Tips 1:

Always alert your teammates before lighting the summoning circle, have hiding locations pre-checked, and keep sanity pills handy, as using cursed possessions rapidly drains players' sanity and increases danger. Treat the act as you would a high-impact design choice—plan, communicate, and execute with care.

FAQ

Q: Do you need to light the summoning circle candles in any particular order?

A: No, the candles can be lit in any order, but all must be lit for the effect to trigger.

Q: How long does the ghost stay trapped in the circle after lighting all candles?

A: The ghost is trapped for about 5 seconds, giving players a brief window to take evidence photos.

Q: Does lighting the circle always start a hunt?

A: Yes, it triggers an immediate cursed hunt once all candles are lit.

Q: Can you reuse the summoning circle in one match?

A: No, each circle can only be used once per game round.

Q: Are there any risks besides the hunt when lighting the summoning circle?

A: Yes, using it causes significant sanity loss for the person who lights it, making you and your team more vulnerable to additional hunts.