Phasmophobia: new character customization update on May 5, 2026

Introduction

Phasmophobia, Kinetic Games’ popular co-op horror game, is about to receive a major update. On May 5, 2026, the long-awaited Player Character Update will arrive. This update will let players customize their characters for the first time, while also putting an end to the infamous “bendy back” bug with new animations. This article looks at the details of the upcoming update, its history, and what players can expect.

Update details

The upcoming update brings a wide range of character customization options. Players will be able to choose from twelve different characters in a new customization shop, with various hairstyles, hair colors, and clothing options. These additions mark a major expansion in how players can stand out in gameplay. Kinetic Games says the changes are designed to make the characters fit better with the new environments introduced in recent updates.

Alongside the visual changes, the update also improves animations. Players will no longer have to deal with “floating hands,” as the characters will now cast shadows. The update also includes a refresh of death animations, with the classic strangulation death being updated to a more modern version.

Customization and future plans

The Player Character Update was originally planned as part of Phasmophobia’s 2025 roadmap, but was delayed to prioritize other updates. Kinetic Games has said it will add more customization options in the future through updates and Twitch Drops, which have already been used in past events.

The update is seen as a crucial step toward Phasmophobia’s official release, which is set to leave early access later this year. Kinetic Games has already announced that more narrative elements will be added to the game, including additional background information about the player characters and their role in the game. The team is working on developing these stories, blending gameplay elements with lore exploration.

Conclusion

Phasmophobia’s Player Character Update promises to be a major step forward in the game’s development, giving players the chance to personalize and improve their experience. The addition of customization options and new animations will no doubt increase player engagement. With more major updates on the way, including the long-awaited 1.0 release, 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial year for the game and its community.