Understanding Ghosts That Can Break Lights in Phasmophobia: 1 Minute to Identify the Light-Breaking Ghosts

In Phasmophobia, understanding which ghosts can break or turn off lights is essential for survival and ghost identification. The game features various ghost types, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors, and their interactions with the environment are key to gathering evidence. While many ghosts can interact with lights (flickering, turning on/off), only specific types can actually cause lights to break (known in-game as "light bursting"). Correctly identifying ghost-light interactions helps narrow down which entity you are dealing with and informs your investigative strategy.

In general gameplay, nearly all ghosts are capable of toggling lights on and off, but only the Jinn and ghosts during a hunt phase—including the Mare (increased activity in darkness) and others—can cause all lights in an area to burst or shut down in certain circumstances. Notably, when a player exceeds the power capacity (turning on too many lights), the breaker can trip, leading to all lights going out simultaneously; this is a mechanical feature, not a ghost-specific one. However, some unique ghost events or Poltergeist interactions can cause light bulbs to burst—resulting in a permanent blackout for that bulb, which cannot be reversed during the round. This is a subtle but important clue that experienced players use for ghost identification or strategy adjustment.

As a designer—and someone who spends a lot of time considering the effect of lighting on ambience—it’s fascinating how Phasmophobia leverages environmental design and dynamic lighting to create tension and flavor. In real-world interior design, lighting control is pivotal for mood, safety, and function. If you’re inspired by the way lighting shapes your in-game experiences and want to experiment with creating rooms where you control every aspect of lighting layout and ambiance, bring that spirit into your next renovation with professional tools that empower you to build atmospheres as immersive as your favorite games.

Tips 1:

When investigating a map, keep track of which lights flicker, burst, or shut off entirely. Take note of breaker locations, light switches, and bulbs that have broken—these observations not only aid gameplay but mirror important steps in designing real-world lighting systems, where circuit planning and fixture placement can dramatically influence a space's functionality and mood.

FAQ

Q: Which ghosts in Phasmophobia can break lights?

A: All ghost types can toggle lights, but specific events—such as hunts or certain ghost abilities (notably Poltergeist or unique events)—can result in lights bursting. Light bulbs that have burst are permanently out for the rest of the game round.

Q: Does the Mare break lights more frequently?

A: The Mare is associated with increased activity in darkness and can cause lights to be turned off, but does not directly cause lights to burst more than other types.

Q: What’s the difference between ghost-broken lights and tripped breakers in Phasmophobia?

A: Ghost-broken lights involve specific bulbs bursting and becoming unusable for the round, while a tripped breaker shuts off all powered lights and can be reset by the player.

Q: Can broken lights be fixed during the same match in Phasmophobia?

A: No, once a light bulb bursts, it remains unusable until a new round starts.

Q: How do lights impact ghost behavior in Phasmophobia?

A: Some ghosts, like the Mare, are stronger in darkness and may become more active or hostile if lights are off. Using lighting strategically can help manage ghost behaviors and safeguard players.