Kinetic Games has outlined an ambitious development roadmap for Phasmophobia in 2026, signalling a pivotal year for the UK-based studio as it prepares a full 1.0 launch, broad platform expansion and a series of major content updates designed to extend the commercial life of its best-selling co-operative horror title.
Announced on 29 January from Southampton, the roadmap confirms that the long-running early access success will reach version 1.0 later this year, launching simultaneously across all supported platforms. The milestone release will be accompanied by a substantial lore expansion and the update previously referred to as “Horror 2.0”, positioning the game for renewed player engagement nearly six years after its original debut.
The first major update of the year is scheduled for the first quarter, with a comprehensive player character overhaul. Kinetic Games said players will be able to customise their ghost hunters using free cosmetics, alongside the introduction of new character models and refined animations. These changes are intended to improve moment-to-moment gameplay, with additions such as equipment swapping, tier three sanity medication injections, and new death and revival animations.
The studio is also targeting platform growth in 2026 with the confirmation that Phasmophobia will be released on Nintendo Switch 2. The move follows the game’s console debut on PlayStation and Xbox platforms in 2024, broadening its addressable market and reinforcing its position as one of the most recognisable independent horror franchises of the past decade.
In parallel, Kinetic Games plans to roll out a Unity 6 engine upgrade alongside a network update across all platforms. The studio said the changes are designed to deliver a smoother and more stable gameplay experience, an important consideration as the player base continues to scale across console and PC ecosystems.
Content updates will remain a central pillar of the live service strategy. Two of the game’s most familiar locations, Tanglewood and 13 Willow Street, are set to receive full map reworks. While Tanglewood’s core layout will remain largely unchanged, the studio has promised new interactions, subtle structural changes and additional environmental storytelling. Players will also be encouraged to uncover a hidden mystery connected to 6 Tanglewood Drive, adding narrative depth without alienating long-term fans.
Beyond reworks, a brand-new map is planned alongside a one-time in-game event, continuing Kinetic Games’ approach of blending permanent and limited-time content. Seasonal events will also return throughout the year, with Cursed Hollow, Crimson Eye and Winter’s Jest all confirmed for 2026, reinforcing retention among existing players while offering clear entry points for newcomers.
Daniel Knight, chief executive and game director at Kinetic Games, said the year ahead represents a defining chapter for the studio and its flagship title.
“This year is set to be a big one for Phasmophobia, and we are so excited for our 1.0 launch, which will be one of the biggest moments since we released the game,” said Daniel Knight (Dknighter), CEO and Game Director of Kinetic Games, “We are constantly working on creating a truly immersive experience for ghost hunters, and have been developing the game with this in mind. Previous updates including Chronicle and our upcoming Player Character update have all been steps in fulfilling our vision, and we hope the 1.0 launch will feel as fresh and exciting as when the game first launched back in 2020.”
From a commercial perspective, the roadmap reflects a maturing independent title transitioning from early access success to long-term franchise management. By combining a headline 1.0 release with technical upgrades, platform expansion and consistent live content, Kinetic Games appears focused on sustaining revenues while strengthening brand equity ahead of future projects.
Phasmophobia is currently available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PS VR2 and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $19.99, £16.75 or €19.50. Further details on the 2026 roadmap and supporting assets have been published on the studio’s official blog.
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