The integration of Tarot cards within the horror game Phasmophobia serves as a unique mechanic designed to introduce random variables that can significantly alter the course of a ghost investigation. While traditional Tarot reading is a spiritual practice used for insight and guidance, the cards in Phasmophobia function strictly as cursed possessions with specific, defined in-game effects. Understanding these mechanics is essential for players who encounter these decks, as the outcomes can range from beneficial restorative effects to immediate peril. The deck consists of ten distinct cards, each with a specific draw probability, a visual cue known as a "burn color," and an immediate effect upon activation. Unlike traditional divination, the use of these cards relies on chance rather than intentional spiritual inquiry, though the symbolism chosen by the game developers mirrors traditional archetypes to enhance the atmospheric experience.
The mechanics of the Tarot cards in Phasmophobia dictate that players can locate a deck within a haunted location, usually in areas of high ghost activity. Upon interacting with the deck, a player draws a single card, which is consumed immediately. The effect is instant and irreversible for that draw. There is no requirement for ritualistic setup or specific timing; the interaction is purely functional. However, because the effects can trigger a ghost hunt or instantly drop a player's sanity to zero, the decision to draw a card carries significant risk. Players are generally advised to ensure they have escape routes prepared and to coordinate with their team before activating a deck. The randomness of the draw means that even if a player understands the meaning of the cards, the specific outcome of a single draw remains unpredictable.
Detailed Mechanics and Effects of the Tarot Deck
The Tarot deck in Phasmophobia contains ten cards, but a single deck does not guarantee the appearance of every card. Instead, each draw is an independent random event with specific probabilities assigned to each card. The cards are categorized by their rarity, which correlates directly with their potential impact on the game. The most common cards tend to have moderate effects, while the rarest cards can drastically shift the balance of the investigation, either by providing a massive advantage or a catastrophic disadvantage.
The Common Draw: The Tower and The Wheel of Fortune
The Tower and The Wheel of Fortune share the highest draw chance at 20% each. These cards are considered the most common within the deck. * The Tower: When this card is drawn, it burns blue. The effect triggers a ghost interaction and increases ghost activity for a duration of 20 seconds. This can be useful for players struggling to gather evidence, as the heightened activity may prompt the ghost to interact with objects or manifest more frequently. However, it can also make the ghost more aggressive, potentially leading to a hunt if conditions are met. * The Wheel of Fortune: This card is unique in that it has two possible outcomes, indicated by the color of the burn. It also has a 20% draw chance. If the card burns red, the player who drew it loses 25% of their sanity. If it burns green, the player gains 25% sanity. This card serves as a gamble, offering a potential boost to sanity restoration without the use of pills, but risking a significant drop in sanity that could facilitate a ghost hunt.
The Moderate Draw: The Fool, The Hanged Man, The Hermit, and The Devil
These cards have varying degrees of utility and risk, with draw chances ranging from 10% to 15%. * The Fool: With a 15% draw chance, The Fool burns white. It is a deceptive card; upon drawing, it appears to be a random card, but as it burns, it transforms into The Fool. The effect of The Fool is to teleport the player who drew it to a random location within the map. While this is not inherently fatal, it can be disorienting and dangerous if the player is teleported into a cornered room or near the ghost. * The Hanged Man: This card has a 10% draw chance and burns white. It is one of the most dangerous cards, as it causes the immediate death of the player who draws it. There is no saving throw or resistance; drawing this card results in the player becoming a ghost. * The Hermit: Also with a 10% draw chance, The Hermit burns purple. It is a strategic card that forces the ghost back into its ghost room and traps it there for one minute. This effect does not work during an active hunt or ghost event. It is highly useful for controlling a roaming ghost and allowing players to move safely or set up equipment, though it has a minor cooldown of 10 seconds after use. * The Devil: This card has a 10% draw chance and burns red. It forces a ghost hunt to begin immediately. This is extremely dangerous and should be used only as a last resort or with full team preparedness, as it summons the ghost to hunt, putting all players at risk.
The Rare Draw: The Moon and The Sun
These cards both have a 5% draw chance and represent opposing forces regarding player sanity. * The Moon: Burning white, this card is detrimental to the player. It instantly drops the sanity of the player who drew it to 0%. This makes the player highly vulnerable to ghost hunts and can trigger hunts almost immediately if the ghost is capable of hunting at lower sanity thresholds. * The Sun: Burning yellow, this card is the direct opposite of The Moon. It instantly restores the player's sanity to 100%. This is a powerful effect that can prevent hunts and restore safety without the need for sanity pills.
The Ultra-Rare Draw: The High Priestess
The High Priestess is the rarest card in the deck, with a draw chance of only 2%. It burns a light yellow color. This card is widely considered the most powerful and beneficial effect in the Tarot deck. Upon drawing, it randomly revives a dead player. If no players are currently dead, the card acts as a "save," ensuring that the next player to die will be resurrected instantly. This effectively grants the team an extra life and can turn a failed investigation into a success.
Strategic Considerations for Using Tarot Cards
Given the high stakes associated with drawing Tarot cards in Phasmophobia, players must weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The randomness of the deck means that preparation is the only way to mitigate disaster. Players should never draw a card while isolated or without an escape plan, particularly because cards like The Devil (hunt) and The Hanged Man (instant death) can occur.
The visual cue of the burn color is a critical element of the mechanic, allowing players to identify the card drawn immediately as it burns. Recognizing these colors allows for rapid reaction. For example, seeing a red burn (The Devil or The Wheel of Fortune loss) requires immediate defensive action, while a yellow burn (The Sun or High Priestess) indicates a moment of safety or recovery. The strategic use of these cards often involves drawing them in a controlled environment, such as the truck, or when the team is prepared to handle a sudden hunt or sanity drop.
It is important to note that the Tarot cards in Phasmophobia are classified as cursed possessions. Their presence is intended to add a layer of risk and reward to the investigation. While they can provide essential resources like sanity restoration or ghost activity evidence, they can just as easily end a run. The game's design encourages players to interact with these systems but punishes recklessness. Therefore, understanding the specific meanings and probabilities of each card is not just an exercise in trivia but a necessary component of survival in high-level play.
Conclusion
The Tarot cards in Phasmophobia offer a complex system of random effects that mirror the symbolic nature of traditional Tarot while functioning strictly within the parameters of a horror video game. The deck consists of ten cards, ranging from the common Tower and Wheel of Fortune to the ultra-rare High Priestess. Each card possesses a unique effect, a specific draw probability, and a visual burn color. Players who choose to engage with these cursed items must understand that the outcome is entirely random, with the potential to restore sanity, force a ghost hunt, or cause instant death. Strategic use involves understanding these probabilities, preparing for the worst-case scenarios, and utilizing the beneficial effects to stabilize the investigation. While the cards are a powerful tool, their inherent risk requires careful consideration before every draw.