Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
A Smudge Stick being used to light up a room in Phasmophobia.
Screenshot by Dot Esports

How to use Smudge Sticks in Phasmophobia

A source of reprieve for your next intense ghost hunt.

Out of all of the usable items in Phasmophobia, the Smudge Sticks are perhaps one of the more beneficial to players in their ghost-hunting excursions. Smudge Sticks look like a roll of paper towels, but are actually wrapped with herbs and other ingredients.

Recommended Videos

In real life, these items are meant to be a source of healing. However, in Phasmophobia, they are used to ward off ghosts and stop them from attacking you. In order for them to work, players need to set them ablaze with a lighter and will be active until they burn out. They have saved me from certain death numerous times, so they’re always a solid item I like to have in my inventory in case of emergencies.

Here’s exactly how Smudge Sticks work in Phasmophobia and what you’ll need to do with them to ward off those pesky ghosts.

Using Smudge Sticks in Phasmophobia

Smudge Sticks require two slots in your inventory, plus you’ll need a lighter in order to use them properly. You can carry up to four Smudge Sticks for each investigation in Phasmophobia.

To light a Smudge Stick, you need to switch one to your hand and then press the “Use” key to light them with your lighter. If you don’t have a lighter, nothing will happen. Using the lighter on the stick will make it burn and take effect.

A player holds a smudge stick, which is lit and burning with white smoke. The area is dimly lit by the stick, revealing a living room with a couch and cabinets directly in front of the player in Phasmophobia.
The Smudge Stick burns out quickly. Screenshot by Dot Esports

When lit, Smudge Sticks prevent a ghost from starting a hunt for 90 seconds, and spirits for three minutes. It also won’t allow a ghost to begin hunting you personally for up to 12 seconds. For this mechanic to work properly, you or a teammate needs to be near a ghost to begin with.

The Smudge Sticks’ effects are lessened against Demons. If you’re near a demon with the lit stick, they won’t be able to start a hunt for 60 seconds. There is a downside, however: Ghost Activity will increase after you have lit a Smudge Stick, so be prepared for ghosts to twist the environment for a brief time.

Related: How to use Tarot Cards in Phasmophobia

You need to be within six meters of a ghost for the Smudge Stick’s effect to work. One important thing to remember with Smudge Sticks is that the player who lit the Smudge Stick does not need to be near a ghost for the effects to work. A player can light a stick while their teammate is near a ghost and the effect will still occur.

You need to be quick with your actions during a Smudge Stick’s burning period as it burns fairly quickly. Either make your escape from a ghost or plan your next move carefully.

Others Asked

What is the method for identifying ghosts in Phasmophobia?

To identify ghosts in Phasmophobia, players use various tools to uncover evidence fitting the ghost's characteristics. Specifically, each ghost can be identified using three types of evidence out of seven total options: DOTS Projector, EMF Five, Fingerprints (Ultraviolet), Freezing Temperatures, Ghost Orb, Ghost Writing, and Spirit Box.

Was this helpful to you?
What makes "The Apocalypse Draws Near" challenge in Phasmophobia particularly difficult?

The challenge is difficult because players start with zero sanity, the ghost's speed is 150%, there's no evidence given, and there's no setup time or hiding places. Additionally, flashlights and UV lights don't work, and players must complete the challenge on the Sunny Meadows Restricted map.

Was this helpful to you?
What is the main objective of the game Phasmophobia?

The main objective of Phasmophobia is to survive and correctly determine the ghost type while using various ghost-hunting equipment on different maps.

Was this helpful to you?

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Others Asked

What is the method for identifying ghosts in Phasmophobia?

To identify ghosts in Phasmophobia, players use various tools to uncover evidence fitting the ghost's characteristics. Specifically, each ghost can be identified using three types of evidence out of seven total options: DOTS Projector, EMF Five, Fingerprints (Ultraviolet), Freezing Temperatures, Ghost Orb, Ghost Writing, and Spirit Box.

Was this helpful to you?
What makes "The Apocalypse Draws Near" challenge in Phasmophobia particularly difficult?

The challenge is difficult because players start with zero sanity, the ghost's speed is 150%, there's no evidence given, and there's no setup time or hiding places. Additionally, flashlights and UV lights don't work, and players must complete the challenge on the Sunny Meadows Restricted map.

Was this helpful to you?
What is the main objective of the game Phasmophobia?

The main objective of Phasmophobia is to survive and correctly determine the ghost type while using various ghost-hunting equipment on different maps.

Was this helpful to you?
Author
Image of Joey Carr
Joey Carr
Joey Carr is a full-time writer for multiple esports and gaming websites. He has 6+ years of experience covering esports and traditional sporting events, including DreamHack Atlanta, Call of Duty Championships 2017, and Super Bowl 53.