Phasmophobia: How to Light Smudge Sticks

Developed by Kinetic Games, Phasmophobia is the latest hit horror game to release in Steam early access. It’s perfect for the spooky season, and tasks you and your friends with exploring haunted locales while trying to figure out what kinds of ghosts you’re dealing with. Here’s how to light smudge sticks in Phasmophobia.

Lighting Smudge Sticks in Phasmophobia

Similar to the crucifix, smudge sticks are used as a sort of defensive tool in Phasmophobia. They can be used to calm a ghost down and prevent them from entering hunting mode, which gives you a small window of opportunity to escape. They’re actually slightly more effective than crucifixes, but also take up more inventory space as you’ll also need a lighter on you.

First off, the smudge sticks can be bought for $15 while the lighter costs $10. You’ll need both items in your inventory in order to light the smudge sticks, or have a teammate carry the lighter and light it for you.

With the lighter in hand, turn it on, then equip the smudge stick and press the F key to light it. After that, you can either place it on the ground in the ghost room, or just carry it around with you. The stick only burns for a short while, though, which means you have a very small window to use it effectively or it’ll be wasted.

Because of this, it’s recommended that you only light it when you know for sure that the ghost is in the room with you (as indicated by a variety of things like ghost orbs or freezing temperatures). Once lit, it prevents the ghost from entering hunting mode for 90 seconds, and can also calm a shadow down for 180 seconds.

Moreover, if you use it during a hunt, the sticks will stop the ghost from moving for a few seconds, allowing you to escape. This makes it more effective than the crucifix, which requires you to have it set up before the hunt starts, but you need to use it correctly.

That’s all you need to know about how to light smudge sticks in Phasmophobia. Be sure to search for Twinfinite for more tips and information on the game, as well as our preview of Midnight Ghost Hunt, which may end up being another fun ghostbusting game that catches your eye.