Which Ghosts Are Fast in Phasmophobia? Speed, Strategy, and Survival
There’s nothing quite like the icy grip of dread that seizes you when you hear footsteps sprinting down the hallway — faster than you can run, faster than logic allows. In Phasmophobia, speed isn’t just a gameplay mechanic — it’s a psychological weapon. Knowing which ghosts are fast in Phasmophobia isn’t optional intel; it’s the difference between a successful hunt and a screaming death replay. Whether you’re a rookie ghost hunter or a seasoned paranormal investigator, mastering ghost movement speed is critical to surviving the night.
Understanding Ghost Speed Mechanics
Before diving into the roster, it’s vital to understand how ghost speed works in Phasmophobia. Most ghosts have a base walking speed of 1.7 m/s during hunts — roughly matching your sprint speed (1.8–1.9 m/s with stamina). That means, under normal conditions, you can just barely outrun them — if you’re smart, sober, and not tangled in furniture.
But some ghosts break this rule. They’re faster. Much faster. And they don’t care about your panic-induced wrong turns.
Ghost speed can also be influenced by environmental factors — such as room temperature, sanity levels, or even cursed possessions. But for now, we’re focusing on inherent speed — the ghosts that are naturally built for the chase.
The Speed Demons: Tier 1 Fast Ghosts
1. The Demon
Don’t let the name fool you — this isn’t just theatrics. The Demon is the fastest ghost in the game under specific conditions. When its sanity threshold is triggered (70% for difficulty, lower for higher tiers), it can initiate a hunt at much higher sanity levels than others. More critically, during hunts, it gains a permanent 10% speed boost, clocking in at approximately 1.87 m/s.
Case Study: During a Maple Lodge Campsite investigation, a team of three triggered a Demon hunt at 75% average sanity. Despite sprinting down the main trail, two players were caught within 15 seconds — not because of poor pathing, but because the Demon simply outpaced them. Lesson? If you suspect a Demon, sanity management isn’t optional — it’s survival.
2. The Revenant
The Revenant operates on a terrifying binary: slow when idle, lightning-fast when locked onto prey. Its base speed is 1.0 m/s — slower than a stroll. But the moment it spots you? 3.0 m/s. That’s faster than your sprint. Much faster.
This ghost doesn’t just chase — it hunts. And if you’re visible, you’re already losing.
Pro Tip: Crouch. Break line of sight. Hide before it sees you. The Revenant’s acceleration is its strength — and its weakness. Once it loses sight, it slows back down. Use that.
The Silent Sprinters: Tier 2 Fast Ghosts
3. The Hantu
Cold rooms make this ghost dangerous. The Hantu thrives in freezing environments — and its speed scales with temperature. In warm rooms (>15°C), it moves slower than average (1.4 m/s). But drop the temp below 0°C? It rockets to 2.7 m/s.
This makes the Hantu especially deadly in maps like Asylum or Prison, where freezing rooms are common. Smart players use thermometers to track its movement — not just for evidence, but for survival.
Case Study: A team investigating Grafton Farmhouse failed to close a window in the basement. Temperature plummeted. Within minutes, the Hantu tore through the house, catching all four players in under 20 seconds. Moral? Climate control isn’t just comfort — it’s defense.
4. The Raiju
Tech-haters beware. The Raiju accelerates when near active electronics — EMF readers, video cameras, motion sensors. Its base speed is 1.7 m/s, but near active gear, it jumps to 2.5 m/s.
This ghost punishes over-reliance on equipment. The more gadgets you leave on, the faster it hunts. It’s not just about speed — it’s about strategy. Turn off what you’re not actively using. Less tech = slower ghost.
The Deceptive Speedsters: Tier 3 Conditional Fast Ghosts
5. The Thaye
This ghost starts fast — 2.7 m/s — but slows down as it ages during the investigation. With each interaction or hunt, it “ages,” reducing its speed incrementally until it hits a floor of 1.0 m/s.
Early game? You’re racing a cheetah. Late game? You’re outpacing a zombie.
Strategy Insight: If early hunts are impossibly fast but later ones feel sluggish, you’re likely facing a Thaye. Use that knowledge. Delay major interactions. Let it age before pushing for evidence.
6. The Yokai
Often underestimated, the Yokai gains a 50% speed boost — to 2.55 m/s — when players are talking near it during a hunt. Yes, your voice is its turbo button.
This makes headset discipline critical. Whisper mode isn’t just polite — it’s protective. If you suspect a Yokai, enforce radio silence the moment the lights go out.
Ghosts That Feel Fast (But Aren’t)
Not every terrifying chase is due to raw speed. Some ghosts use mechanics that simulate speed: