Phasmophobia: How to Get Perfect Investigation in July 2025

Getting a Perfect Investigation in Phasmophobia has become more challenging yet rewarding since the Chronicle update launched on June 24, 2025. If you've been struggling to master the new requirements or are just starting your ghost-hunting journey, I've got you covered with this comprehensive guide that'll have you earning those sweet Perfect Investigation bonuses consistently.

What is a Perfect Investigation in Phasmophobia?

A Perfect Investigation is a special bonus you can earn during each contract in Phasmophobia, rewarding you with extra money and XP. Since the Chronicle update completely overhauled the evidence system, achieving perfection requires more effort but offers better rewards than ever before.

The bonus amount depends on your difficulty multiplier, meaning tougher investigations yield bigger payouts. You'll see this bonus listed on your results screen after completing a contract, making it clear when you've nailed every requirement.

Updated Requirements for Perfect Investigation (Chronicle Update)

The Chronicle update brought massive changes to how Perfect Investigations work. Here's exactly what you need to accomplish:

1. Correctly Identify the Ghost Type

This one's obvious but crucial – you must select the correct ghost type in your journal before ending the investigation. No matter how perfectly you complete everything else, guessing wrong on the ghost means no Perfect Investigation bonus.

Pro Tips:

• Take your time to gather solid evidence
• Use the new evidence system effectively
• Don't rush your conclusion on higher difficulties

2. Find and Pick Up the Bone

Every map spawns one bone somewhere in the location. You must physically pick it up (not just photograph it) to check this requirement off your list.

Best Bone-Hunting Strategies:

• Check basements, attics, and garages first
• Look in unusual spots like bathtubs, shoes, and trash cans
• Bones include skulls, ribcages, spines, hands, and feet
• Sometimes bones don't spawn immediately – give it a few minutes

3. Complete All Three Optional Objectives

These objectives appear on the corkboard in your van and vary each investigation. Since Chronicle, new objectives include:

Common Objectives:

• Capture two unique paranormal sounds
• Record a video of the ghost
• Get an EMF reading
• Witness a ghost event
• Have the ghost walk through salt
• Escape during a hunt
• Get below 25% sanity

Quick Tip: If you're speedrunning Perfect Investigations, you can exit and reload until you get easier objectives, though this takes away from the authentic experience.

4. Fill Your Journal with Unique Media

This is the biggest change from Chronicle – you now need to collect unique media across three categories:

Photos (5 Unique Required)

• Ghost photos (only the first counts)
• Bone photo (before picking it up)
• Cursed possession items
• Burned crucifix
• Dirty water
• Dead bodies
• Disturbed salt
• Fingerprints/handprints
• Ghost writing
• Interactions (doors, objects moving)

Videos (5 Unique Required)

The video camera now captures evidence by holding the USE button:

• Ghost during events or hunts
• Salt being disturbed
• Object interactions
• EMF activity
• Thrown objects
• Light switches being used
• Doors opening/closing

Sounds (3 Unique Required)

Using the new Sound Recorder (unlocked at Level 4):

• Paranormal sounds (whispers, groans, laughs)
• Spirit Box responses
• Ghost event sounds
• Hunt sounds
• Equipment interference
• Footsteps

Important: Duplicate evidence won't count toward Perfect Investigation. Each piece must be unique!

How to Get Perfect Investigation Bonus in Phasmophobia?

Let me walk you through my proven method for consistently achieving Perfect Investigations:

Phase 1: Initial Setup (0-5 minutes)

1. Check your optional objectives immediately
2. Bring appropriate equipment based on objectives
3. Place video cameras in high-traffic areas
4. Start your Sound Recorder in the ghost room

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (5-15 minutes)

1. Begin standard ghost identification procedures
2. Take photos of any paranormal activity
3. Keep video camera ready for interactions
4. Leave Sound Recorder running near activity

Phase 3: Bone Hunt (10-20 minutes)

1. Systematically search each room
2. Check hiding spots and corners
3. Photograph the bone before picking it up
4. Pick up the bone for the requirement

Phase 4: Media Completion (15-25 minutes)

1. Review your journal's Media tab
2. Target missing evidence types
3. Use salt strategically for easy photos/videos
4. Trigger ghost events for sound recordings

Phase 5: Final Checks (20-30 minutes)

1. Verify all objectives are complete
2. Double-check ghost type selection
3. Ensure journal shows enough unique media
4. End investigation

Money and Rewards for Perfect Investigations

Perfect Investigation bonuses scale with difficulty multipliers:

• Amateur: $50 base (0.5x multiplier)
• Intermediate: $50 base (1x multiplier)
• Professional: $50 base (2x multiplier)
• Nightmare: $50 base (3x multiplier)
• Insanity: $50 base (4x multiplier)
• Custom Difficulty: Varies based on settings

Higher tier equipment provides additional bonuses per media captured, making upgrades worthwhile for profit-focused hunters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen countless investigations fail due to these preventable errors:

1. Forgetting to pick up the bone – Photos aren't enough!
2. Duplicate evidence – Each media piece must be unique
3. Rushing ghost identification – Take time to be certain
4. Ignoring optional objectives – All three must be completed
5. Poor Sound Recorder placement – Keep it near activity
6. Leaving before media is full – Check your journal!

Advanced Tips for Veteran Hunters

Want to maximize efficiency? Here are my top strategies:

Salt Pile Stacking

Place multiple salt piles in doorways for instant disturbed salt photos and videos when the ghost walks through.

Multi-Purpose Evidence

Capture Spirit Box responses with your Sound Recorder running to check two boxes simultaneously.

Strategic Cursed Items

Use the Music Box or Summoning Circle to guarantee ghost photos and event sounds.

Difficulty Optimization

Create custom difficulties that remove evidence types while maintaining high multipliers for experienced teams.

Equipment Recommendations by Level

Levels 1-10:

• Focus on Tier 1 Photo Camera
• Basic EMF and Thermometer
• Salt for easy evidence

Levels 10-30:

• Upgrade to Tier 2 Video Camera
• Invest in Sound Recorder
• Multiple salt shakers

Levels 30+:

• Tier 3 equipment for bonus rewards
• Full loadout flexibility
• Efficiency over economy

Troubleshooting Your Failed Attempts

If you're consistently missing Perfect Investigations, check these:

Media Issues:

• Are you capturing duplicates?
• Is your equipment tier limiting rewards?
• Are you positioned correctly for recordings?

Objective Problems:

• Did you read objectives correctly?
• Are you using the right equipment?
• Did sanity prevent completion?

Technical Difficulties:

• Is your Sound Recorder actually on?
• Are you holding the button for video?
• Did you check the right ghost type?

FAQs About Perfect Investigations

Can I delete media if I make mistakes?

Yes! You can now delete up to three pieces of media during an investigation, up from two pre-Chronicle.

Do I need Perfect Investigation for progression?

No, but it significantly speeds up leveling and earning money for better equipment.

What's the easiest map for Perfect Investigations?

Smaller maps like Tanglewood Drive or Willow Street make bone hunting much quicker.

Can dead players prevent Perfect Investigation?

No, as long as living players complete all requirements, dead teammates won't affect the bonus.

Does difficulty affect media requirements?

No, you always need the same amount of unique media regardless of difficulty settings.

Conclusion

Mastering Perfect Investigations in Phasmophobia's Chronicle update takes practice, but the rewards make it worthwhile. Focus on understanding the new media system, stay organized with your evidence collection, and don't forget that bone!

Remember, the key to consistent Perfect Investigations is preparation and patience. Use higher-tier equipment when possible, communicate with your team, and always double-check your requirements before leaving.

Ready to put these strategies to the test? Fire up Phasmophobia, grab your gear, and start hunting for those Perfect Investigation bonuses. Once you get the hang of the new system, you'll be swimming in cash and XP!

Happy hunting, and may your investigations always be perfect!