How to Use the Summoning Circle in Phasmophobia

The Summoning Circle is one of seven cursed possessions that may spawn during an investigation in Phasmophobia. When used correctly, it can be a powerful tool to capture a picture of the ghost, complete optional objectives, and trigger a ghost hunt. Here’s everything you need to know about using the Summoning Circle effectively and safely in Phasmophobia.

What is the Summoning Circle?

The Summoning Circle is a cursed possession that allows players to summon the ghost to a specific location. It consists of five candles arranged in a circle. Once activated, the ghost will materialize inside the circle, stand motionless for five seconds, and then initiate a cursed hunt.

Tip: Check out our guides on the Voodoo Doll and Monkey Paw to familiarize yourself with other cursed possessions.

How to Activate the Summoning Circle

To use the Summoning Circle, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Summoning Circle: Search for the Summoning Circle during your investigation (it has a one in 7 chance of spawning on regular difficulties). Read our Summoning Circle spawn locations guide to find its spawn point on every map.
2. Light the Candles: Use a candle or lighter to ignite all five candles around the circle.
   • Each candle lit will drain 16% sanity from all nearby players, not just the person lighting the candle.
   • Lighting the final candle will summon the ghost.
3. Summon the Ghost: Once all five candles are lit, the ghost will appear motionless inside the circle for five seconds. This counts as a ghost event.
4. Prepare for a Cursed Hunt: After the five-second window, the ghost will begin a cursed hunt. This is the perfect opportunity to grab your camera and take a photo of the ghost. Beware, if you light the final candle with less than 16% sanity, the cursed hunt will start immediately without the ghost event.

Why Use the Summoning Circle?

The Summoning Circle is an excellent tool for:

1. Capturing a Ghost Photo:
   • Taking a picture of the ghost is the most valuable photo in Phasmophobia. Using the Summoning Circle guarantees the ghost will appear in a predictable location for five seconds, giving you ample time to snap a clear photo.
2. Completing Objectives:
   • The Summoning Circle can help achieve optional objectives, such as “Capture a photo of the ghost” and “Have a member of your team witness a Ghost event”. By using the circle strategically, you can tackle these tasks more efficiently.

Tip: Check out our other guide on photo rewards in Phasmophobia to maximize your earnings from pictures.

Strategy for Using the Summoning Circle

1. Be Prepared for the Hunt

• Place a tier 3 crucifix within range of the circle to prevent the cursed hunt from starting.
• If you don’t have a crucifix, locate your nearest hiding spot or keep incense (smudge sticks) ready to evade the ghost.

2. Keep an Eye on your Sanity

• Lighting all five candles drains a total of 80% sanity. Ensure you begin with almost full sanity, or have sanity pills on hand to avoid an immediate cursed hunt.
• I recommend only using the Summoning Circle after figuring out the ghost type, due to the high sanity drain of this cursed possession. 

3. Make Sure the Ghost Isn’t Hunting

• If you light the final candle while the ghost is already hunting, it will teleport to the circle and immediately continue hunting from there (without a grace period or ghost event). Plan your timing carefully.

Additional Information on the Summoning Circle

• Ghosts can extinguish lit candles on the Summoning Circle. If this happens, you’ll need to relight the candle, costing another 16% sanity.
• The Summoning Circle can only be used once per investigation.
• A 3-star photo of the Summoning Circle itself earns $5 and 5XP.

Final Thoughts

The Summoning Circle is a high-risk, high-reward tool that can significantly aid your investigation when used strategically. We hope this guide has been useful, so good luck using the Summoning Circle for those 3-star ghost photos. Happy hunting!