Phasmophobia: Lights Out Challenge Guide (July 2025) Easy $5000

3rd July, 2025

I've been ghost hunting in Phasmophobia for over 500 hours, but nothing prepared me for the sheer terror of navigating through complete darkness in the Lights Out Challenge. After countless failed attempts and jump scares that nearly sent my keyboard flying, I finally mastered this nightmare mode - and I'm here to share every secret that helped me claim that sweet $5,000 reward.

If you're struggling to see anything beyond your nose or getting hunted every two minutes, this guide will transform you from a stumbling rookie into a darkness-conquering paranormal investigator. Trust me, once you understand these strategies, you'll be completing this challenge faster than you can say "where's the light switch?"

Table of Contents

What is the Lights Out Challenge in Phasmophobia?

The Lights Out Challenge is one of Phasmophobia's most terrifying weekly challenge modes that forces you to investigate ghosts in complete darkness. As part of the rotating weekly challenges, it appears every 26 weeks and offers a massive $5,000 cash reward plus 5,000 experience points - making it one of the best ways to level up fast in the game.

But here's the catch: you're basically investigating blind. The fuse box is permanently broken, flashlights are banned, and you're relying on candles and whatever dim light sources you can find. It's like trying to identify a ghost while wearing a blindfold - except the ghost can still see you perfectly fine!

Quick Lights Out Challenge Overview

Challenge Aspect	Details
Map	6 Tanglewood Drive (mandatory)
Objective	Correctly identify ghost 3 times
Reward	$5,000 + 5,000 XP
Starting Sanity	100%
Setup Time	0 seconds (immediate danger!)
Main Challenge	No electricity or flashlights
Cursed Item	Music Box (always spawns)

Phasmophobia: Lights Out Challenge Rules and Restrictions

Before diving into the darkness, you need to understand exactly what you're up against. The Lights Out Challenge isn't just about turning off the lights - it fundamentally changes how you approach ghost hunting.

Core Challenge Rules:

Location Locked: Must be completed at 6 Tanglewood Drive
No Grace Period: Ghost can hunt immediately upon entry
Broken Fuse Box: Cannot restore power under any circumstances
Evidence Required: Standard 3 pieces of evidence needed
Contract Continues: Death doesn't end the investigation if playing co-op
Challenge Mode Settings: Cannot bring personal equipment

Missing Equipment:

You won't have access to:

Flashlights (both regular and strong)
Head-mounted cameras
Motion sensors
Sound sensors
Parabolic microphones
Tripods

This might seem brutal, but the challenge compensates by providing a mix of Tier I and Tier II equipment that's specifically chosen to help you survive the darkness.

Equipment Available in Lights Out Challenge

Tier I Equipment:

Firelight (your new best friend)
Sanity Medication (absolutely crucial)
Incense (lifesaver during hunts)
Salt (ghost tracking)
Crucifix (hunt prevention)
UV Light (backup illumination)
Video Camera (ghost orbs/DOTS)

Tier II Equipment:

Igniter (for Firelights)
EMF Reader (quick ghost room finder)
Spirit Box (darkness required anyway!)
Photo Camera (perfect investigation bonus)
Thermometer (essential for room location)
Ghost Writing Book (standard evidence)
DOTS Projector (easier to see in darkness)

How to Complete the Lights Out Challenge in Phasmophobia?

Completing the Lights Out Challenge requires a completely different approach than standard investigations. Here's my proven strategy that's helped me and countless others conquer the darkness:

Step 1: Pre-Game Preparation

Before even clicking "Ready," mentally prepare yourself. This challenge is designed to be scary, and you will get jump scared. Accept it, embrace it, and remember - you lose nothing if you die since it's challenge mode!

Step 2: Equipment Pile Strategy

Since there's no setup time, create an equipment pile at the front door:

Grab essential items from the truck
Drop them RIGHT at the entrance (before entering)
The timer doesn't start until you cross the threshold
This saves precious time and sanity

Step 3: Initial Room Sweep

Once inside, your priorities are:

Grab Firelight + Igniter immediately
Quick EMF/Thermometer sweep of nearby rooms
Listen for ghost sounds (they're louder in darkness)
Check for freezing temperatures (below 10°C/50°F)

Step 4: Ghost Room Identification

The darkness actually makes some evidence easier to spot:

DOTS: More visible against black backgrounds
Ghost Orbs: Stand out brilliantly in pitch darkness
EMF Activity: Ghost is often more active in darkness

Step 5: Evidence Collection

Once you've found the ghost room:

Place crucifixes at strategic points
Set up video camera for orbs/DOTS
Drop Ghost Writing Book in high-activity areas
Use Spirit Box (darkness requirement already met!)

Step 6: Survival Until Completion

Keep sanity above 70% at all times
Have escape routes memorized
Save Firelights by extinguishing when stationary
Use UV Light as emergency backup illumination

Essential Tips for Surviving the Darkness

After helping dozens of players through this challenge, these are the tips that consistently make the difference between success and failure:

1. Master the Map Layout First

I cannot stress this enough - practice Tanglewood Drive in regular mode first. Load the map in a custom game with lighting enabled to familiarize yourself with the layout, as knowing hiding spots and dead ends will save your life during a hunt when you can barely see past a candle flame.

2. Camera Navigation Trick

Here's a pro tip most guides miss: Use the photo camera as a navigation tool by opening it and setting it to dark mode - you'll be able to see clearly through the small screen. This trick has saved me countless times when my Firelight burned out mid-hunt.

3. The Music Box Trap

The Music Box is present in every contract, but you should always avoid using it as it automatically triggers a cursed hunt, which is extremely difficult to escape in complete darkness. I've seen too many teams wipe because someone got curious about the Music Box.

4. Firelight Management

Your Firelights are precious resources:

Only light them when moving or investigating
Extinguish immediately when stationary
Keep one unlit as emergency backup
Remember: Onryo ghosts will hunt after blowing out a Firelight three times

5. Sanity is Everything

Since you have almost no light to work with, keeping your sanity up is very difficult but crucial if you want to avoid hunts - use Sanity Medication anytime your sanity drops between 70 and 80 percent. I always designate one team member as the "sanity manager" to monitor and call out pill timings.

Advanced Strategies for Experienced Players

Once you've got the basics down, these advanced techniques will help you complete the challenge even faster:

Ghost Behavior Recognition

In darkness, you often need to identify ghosts by behavior rather than evidence:

Shade: Won't hunt or event in the ghost room with players present
Revenant: Extremely slow when not chasing, lightning-fast when hunting
Wraith: Never leaves UV footprints after stepping in salt
Phantom: Disappears when photographed during events

Speed Run Tactics

For those chasing record times:

Split team roles immediately (evidence gatherer, sanity manager, photographer)
Use thermometer for rapid room elimination
Place all evidence items before searching for the third piece
Have one player camp video camera in truck for orbs/DOTS

The Van Strategy

One player staying in the van can:

Monitor sanity levels constantly
Watch for ghost orbs and DOTS
Call out activity spikes
Provide hunt warnings via activity monitor

Hiding Spots on Tanglewood Drive

Memorizing these hiding spots is crucial for survival:

Ground Floor:

Entrance closet (right side of main hallway)
Kitchen counter (loop spot, crouch behind for emergency)
Garage lockers (two available)

Basement:

Behind wooden boards (back of basement)

Upstairs:

Blue bedroom closet (left side of house)
Hallway closet (near nursery)
Behind nursery crib (risky but effective)

Note: Not all of these hiding spots will be available during this mode, as some of them will be blocked off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' failures has taught me these critical lessons:

1. Rushing Without Preparation

The lack of setup time makes players panic and rush. Take those extra 30 seconds to organize equipment at the door - it's worth it.

2. Wasting Firelights

I see players keeping Firelights burning constantly. Remember, they're finite resources - use them strategically.

3. Ignoring Sanity Management

"I'll grab pills later" is famous last words in this challenge. Stay above 70% sanity always.

4. Solo Evidence Hunting

This challenge is significantly easier with a team. If playing solo, consider waiting for friends or joining a cross-platform lobby.

5. Forgetting Alternate Light Sources

When Firelights run out, players often forget about UV lights and the igniter's brief flame. Every bit of light counts!

Best Ghosts vs Worst Ghosts for This Challenge

Easiest Ghosts to Handle:

Shade - Rarely hunts, especially with players nearby
Spirit - No special abilities, predictable behavior
Poltergeist - Easy to identify through object throwing

Nightmare Ghosts:

Demon - Can hunt at any sanity level
Onryo - Firelights trigger hunts
Mare - Loves darkness, increased activity
Yokai - Hard to hear coming in darkness

Equipment Priority Guide

When grabbing equipment, prioritize in this order:

Firelight + Igniter (vision and sanity)
Thermometer (fastest room finding)
EMF Reader (activity tracking)
Sanity Pills (survival)
Video Camera (two evidence types)
Crucifix (hunt prevention)

Team Roles for Efficient Completion

If playing with friends, assign these roles:

The Navigator (1 player)

Carries Firelight constantly
Memorizes map layout
Guides team during hunts

The Evidence Hunter (1-2 players)

Focuses on gathering evidence
Places equipment strategically
Monitors ghost behavior

The Support (1 player)

Manages sanity medication
Takes photos for money
Watches van monitors

Alternative Strategies

The Speedrun Method

For experienced players only:

Sprint to basement first (common ghost room)
Drop all evidence items immediately upon finding the room
One player suicides to become permanent van monitor
Complete in under 5 minutes per contract

The Safe Method

For nervous players:

One person enters briefly then returns
Full team discusses in truck
Rotate players to preserve sanity
Takes longer but much safer

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I Can't See Anything!"

Use photo camera's night mode view
Adjust monitor brightness (temporarily)
Practice map layout in normal mode first

"I Keep Getting Hunted!"

Check team's average sanity
Place crucifixes earlier
Learn ghost hunting patterns

"Evidence Won't Appear!"

Some ghosts need alone time for Spirit Box
Ghost Writing takes patience
DOTS is easier to see from van

Post-Challenge Rewards and Benefits

Completing the Lights Out Challenge three times nets you:

$5,000 (enough for serious equipment upgrades)
5,000 XP (massive progress toward prestige)
Confidence in handling any dark situation
Weekly Task Completion (if it's the featured map)

Related Challenges to Try Next

Once you've mastered Lights Out, consider these challenges:

On Record Challenge - Master the new evidence system
Glow in the Dark - UV lights only
No Evidence - Pure behavior identification

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use mods during the Lights Out Challenge?

No, challenge mode disables all mods to ensure fair play for everyone. You must complete it vanilla.

What happens if everyone dies?

In solo play, the investigation ends. In multiplayer, the investigation continues as long as one player survives. Dead players can still help by watching cameras!

Is the Music Box ever worth using?

Absolutely not in this challenge. The cursed hunt it triggers in pitch darkness is basically a guaranteed team wipe. Save it for regular games.

Can I change the difficulty settings?

No, challenge mode has preset difficulty settings that cannot be modified. Everyone faces the same darkness!

Do I keep my equipment if I die?

No equipment is lost in challenge mode - it's risk-free practice! Die as many times as needed to learn.

Which VR headsets work for this challenge?

All Phasmophobia-compatible VR headsets work, though the darkness is even more terrifying in VR!

Can I complete this challenge on other maps?

While you can play the challenge settings on any map, the weekly reward only counts for 6 Tanglewood Drive completion.

How often does this challenge appear?

The Lights Out Challenge rotates every 26 weeks as part of the standard challenge rotation.

Is there a time limit?

No time limit beyond the standard hunt mechanics. Take as long as you need to identify the ghost correctly.

Final Thoughts

The Lights Out Challenge perfectly captures what makes Phasmophobia terrifying - the fear of the unknown amplified by complete darkness. While it might seem impossible at first, with these strategies and enough practice, you'll be completing it confidently and helping others conquer their fear of the dark.

Remember, every professional ghost hunter started as a terrified rookie hiding in a closet. The difference between failure and that $5,000 reward is preparation, patience, and maybe a spare pair of pants for those inevitable jump scares.

Now grab that Firelight, steel your nerves, and show that ghost who's boss - even if you can't see it! And hey, if you're looking for more Phasmophobia challenges and updates, don't forget to check out the latest Chronicle update features that are revolutionizing how we hunt ghosts in 2025.

Good luck, ghost hunter. May your Firelights burn bright and your sanity stay high!