Introduction to Early Hunters in Phasmophobia
Ghost hunts are the most perilous and deadly aspect of Phasmophobia. While it’s possible to avoid them at the beginning of a contract, some early hunters may decide to come after you right away. Understanding which ghosts to watch out for from the start is crucial for surviving and correctly identifying the ghost type. This guide breaks down the early hunters in Phasmophobia and provides essential information to help you navigate the risks they pose.
Early Hunters in Phasmophobia: A Comprehensive List
Several ghosts in Phasmophobia are known for their early hunting behavior, making them particularly dangerous. These include the Demon, the Yokai, the Raiju, the Banshee, the Onryo, the Thaye, the Mare, and The Mimic. Each of these ghosts has unique conditions and modifiers that can trigger an early hunt, so being aware of these factors is essential for survival.
- Demon: The Demon is arguably the most dangerous early hunter. Its sanity hunt threshold can be as low as 70 percent, and it has the unique ability to hunt at any sanity level if it chooses to use this skill. This makes the Demon a constant threat from the moment you step into the location.
- Yokai: The Yokai’s regular hunt threshold is 50 percent, but it can increase to 80 percent if players talk and use voice chat within its range. This makes the Yokai highly unpredictable and dangerous, especially in multiplayer mode.
- Raiju: The Raiju’s normal hunt threshold is 50 percent, but it increases to 65 percent if there is active electronic equipment nearby. This ghost is particularly tricky because it thrives in high-tech environments, making it a common early hunter in houses with numerous electronic devices.
- Banshee: The Banshee technically hunts at 50 percent or lower sanity, but it targets a specific player, which can make it appear to hunt as early as 87 percent if the target’s sanity drops to 50 percent or lower. This behavior is unique to multiplayer mode and can catch teams off guard.
- Onryo: The Onryo’s hunt threshold is 60 percent, but it can initiate a hunt as soon as a third flame is extinguished. This means that if you’re not careful with candles or other flame sources, the Onryo can become a very early hunter.
- Thaye: The Thaye is an aging ghost, and its hunt threshold decreases over time. At the beginning of the contract, it starts at 75 percent, making it highly dangerous early on. However, this threshold decreases by six percent every one to two minutes, eventually reaching 15 percent at age 10.
- Mare: The Mare’s hunt threshold is 40 percent, but it increases to 60 percent if the lights are off in the ghost’s room. This makes the Mare particularly dangerous in dark environments but less so in well-lit areas.
- The Mimic: The Mimic is the most deceptive early hunter. It copies the behavior and hunt thresholds of other ghosts, which means it can act like any of the early hunters mentioned above or another ghost entirely. This unpredictability can make it hard to identify and handle.
Understanding the Sanity Hunt Threshold
The sanity hunt threshold in Phasmophobia is a critical concept to grasp. The baseline threshold for most ghosts is 50 percent, meaning they won’t initiate a hunt until the average sanity level drops to this point. However, early and late hunters can break this rule under certain conditions. The Demon and The Mimic (when copying a Demon) are the most likely to hunt early, with no other modifiers in play. They can hunt as soon as the average sanity drops below 70 percent, making them the primary early hunters to watch out for.
Identifying the Most Likely Early Hunter
Identifying the most likely early hunter is crucial for your survival and success in Phasmophobia. If you haven’t done anything more than enter the location, the Demon or The Mimic (copying a Demon) are the most probable early hunters. The presence of Ghost Orbs, which are fake evidence for The Mimic, can help distinguish between the two. Additionally, observing the ghost’s behavior can provide clues; The Mimic frequently changes its behavior, which is a key indicator.
However, if the ghost is not a Demon or The Mimic, it’s best to refer to the specific modifiers for each ghost. For instance, a Thaye at age zero has a high sanity threshold of 75 percent, making it a likely early hunter. Over time, this threshold decreases, making it less of a threat. The Yokai’s threshold can rise to 80 percent if players are talking within its range, the Raiju’s threshold increases with active electronics, and the Onryo can hunt as soon as a third flame is extinguished.
Precautionary Measures and Tips
Early hunters can completely derail your contract, so taking preventive measures is essential. One of the most effective strategies is to place Crucifixes early on. If a Crucifix stops a hunt very early in the game, it’s a strong indication that you’re dealing with an early hunter. This can help narrow down the possible ghost types and give you a better chance of survival.
Here are some additional tips to handle early hunters:
- Stay Vigilant: Always be prepared for a possible hunt as soon as you see a ghost or hear your heartbeat.
- Manage Sanity: Keep your sanity levels high by avoiding dark areas, using flashlights, and minimizing scary actions like turning off lights or using electronics near potential ghost locations.
- Communicate: In multiplayer mode, effective communication is crucial. Warn your teammates if you think a hunt is imminent and coordinate your actions to avoid triggering early hunts.
- Use Evidence: Familiarize yourself with the unique evidence each early hunter produces. For example, the Demon’s evidence includes Ultraviolet, Ghost Writing, and Freezing Temps, while the Banshee produces Ultraviolet, DOTS Projector, and Ghost Orbs.
The Role of Lighting and Electronics
Lighting and electronics play a significant role in the behavior of early hunters. The Mare, for instance, has a lower hunt threshold when lights are on, making well-lit areas safer. Conversely, the Onryo can initiate a hunt as soon as a third flame is extinguished, so maintaining flame sources is crucial. The Raiju’s threshold increases with active electronic equipment, making it a dangerous ghost in high-tech environments.
Understanding these environmental factors can help you avoid triggering an early hunt. For the Mare, keep the lights on in the ghost’s room. For the Onryo, be careful with candles and other flame sources. For the Raiju, avoid using electronic devices near the ghost’s location. These small adjustments can significantly improve your chances of surviving the early stages of the contract.
Conclusion and Final Tips
In Phasmophobia, early hunters are a formidable challenge that can swiftly turn the tide against you. By identifying the ghosts that are most likely to hunt early and understanding their unique conditions, you can better prepare for and mitigate these risks. Placing Crucifixes early, managing your sanity, and being aware of environmental factors like lighting and electronics are key strategies to staying alive and successfully completing your contract.
Remember, every ghost hunt is a test of your nerve and skill. Stay calm, communicate effectively with your team, and use the evidence to your advantage. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to face the early hunters and emerge victorious in your ghost hunting adventures.









