Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0 Patch Notes: Kinetic Games Addresses Feedback

The latest patch notes for Phasmophobia arrive today, May 12, 2026, as Kinetic Games moves to address community feedback following the previous Player Character Update. This update, officially designated as Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0, focuses on correcting visual inconsistencies, refining character animations, and adjusting ghost behavior to align with the developer's original design goals. Players on PC can expect a smoother experience with the removal of inventory swapping animations and specific fixes for ghost interactions.

Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0 Official Patch Notes and Changes

Kinetic Games has acknowledged that the previous update did not meet player expectations, leading to a swift release of this follow-up patch. The Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0 official patch notes highlight several quality-of-life improvements intended to streamline gameplay. Most notably, players now have a five-second window after death to select a ghost in their journal, providing more time for investigation logging. Additionally, the inventory swapping animation has been removed to allow for instant equipment transitions, and the Tier 1 Igniter is now transparent, allowing players to track remaining matches more effectively.

The Phasmophobia latest patch notes May 2026 also confirm that prestige cosmetics are now free to use once they are unlocked. This change removes previous barriers to accessing earned rewards based on prestige level. Furthermore, the salt placement mechanic has been updated so that the substance is placed at the start of the animation rather than the end, and the Tier 3 Sanity Medication animation will no longer trigger in multiplayer sessions.

Character Model and Animation Fixes

A significant portion of the Kinetic Games Phasmophobia update v0.17.1.0 details concerns the player character models. The development team has worked to resolve visual bugs that have persisted since the last major release. The following list outlines the specific character fixes implemented in this patch:

• Fixed incorrect head positioning when players look up or down.
• Resolved character rig issues that occurred upon being revived while in a crouched state.
• Corrected character model death animations to prevent improper falling.
• Fixed non-VR player feet clipping through the ground when stationary.
• Eliminated instances of floating feet in various map areas.
• Fixed walking animations that triggered when player speed dropped below 50%.
• Resolved an issue causing character mouths to open inappropriately when moving to the right.

These adjustments follow our coverage of the community response to the previous update, which highlighted frustration regarding the state of character movement and equipment handling. For more information on the game's evolution, see our Phasmophobia development news.

Ghost and Environment Adjustments

Beyond character models, the update addresses several functional issues regarding ghost behavior and environmental interactions. These what changes were made in Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0 updates are intended to ensure that ghost AI functions consistently across all maps.

Ghost Behavior Improvements

Several ghosts received specific behavioral tuning. The Yurei, which previously failed to fully close doors, has been fixed. The Raiju has had its light-flickering behavior restricted so that it no longer occurs outside of active hunts. Map-specific issues were also addressed, such as the ghost on 42 Edgefield Road, which previously became stuck in multiple rooms and could not reach players hiding in garage lockers. Additionally, ghosts located in the Grafton Farmhouse Attic will no longer wander outside of their designated room as frequently.

Environmental Fixes

The environment has also seen refinement. Players using Tarot Cards will no longer experience incorrect door movement animations. The team has also addressed various equipment hold poses to fix visual issues involving wrists, elbows, arms, and the general positioning of items on the player's screen. These fixes are part of the broader effort to maintain the atmospheric integrity of the game. You can find more details in our PC gaming reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Phasmophobia update v0.17.1.0?

Phasmophobia update v0.17.1.0 includes a five-second post-death journal delay, instant equipment swapping, various character model animation fixes, and adjustments to ghost behaviors like the Yurei and Raiju.

What changes were made in Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0 regarding character models?

The update fixed multiple character model issues, including incorrect head angles when looking up or down, feet clipping through the ground, and animation errors occurring while crouching or moving.

Are prestige cosmetics free in Phasmophobia v0.17.1.0?

Yes, following the v0.17.1.0 update, prestige cosmetics are now free to equip once they have been unlocked based on your specific prestige level.