Phasmophobia developer Kinetic has finally lifted the veil on its next small map — and it’s a diner.
Nell’s Diner is described as a run-down, retro restaurant complete with a “classic diner counter, comfy booths, and a kitchen preparing some less-than-savoury encounters.” Apparently, every meal at Nell’s “is an (un)happy meal.”
While we don’t have a release as yet — yep, I’m sad about it, too — Phasmo’s 14th map has been confirmed as a “small” venue “with its size akin to the game’s houses. This’ll be excellent news for smaller teams who struggle to get much done on big maps like Brownstone High School or the Sunny Meadows Mental Institution.
That’s not all, of course; the long-awaited rework of Grafton Farmhouse is also set to launch, and we even have a release date for that: August 12.
“Set in an isolated farmland surrounded by fields of corn, Grafton’s design has been totally overhauled to create a dilapidated home that’s best not entered alone,” the team teased. “Faulty electrics, caved-in ceilings and layers of dust await players bold enough to explore the building and its newly themed rooms – from an eerie attic, to the harrowing seamstress room.”
“Nell’s Diner, alongside the Farmhouse reworks, are all so central to our efforts in amplifying the horror in Phasmophobia, and I can’t wait for our community to experience it for themselves,” said Daniel “Dknighter” Knight, director of Kinetic Games and lead developer of Phasmophobia. “Our incredible art team have worked tirelessly on the upcoming content, and the Diner map in particular is one of the most unique maps we’ve added yet. We don’t want to spoil anything, but just know there are plenty of surprises to look forward to.”
It follows a similar reworking of Bleasedale Farmhouse earlier this year, and the release of the Point Hope lighthouse map this time last year.
Phasmophobia is a four-player online co-op psychological horror where you and your team of paranormal investigators enter haunted locations filled with spooky activity and gather as much evidence of the paranormal as you can. Since it launched in early access in 2020, spawning a new genre of ghost hunting games, it’s passed 23 million sales thanks to its blend of co-op horror and investigative gameplay. It made IGN’s 25 best horror games ever made list… but do you agree with our placement?
Phasmophobia is also the latest video game to get the Hollywood treatment. Horror specialist Blumhouse — the credits of which include Five Nights at Freddy’s, The Conjuring, and M3gan — has partnered with the UK developer to create a feature film adaptation. At the moment, nothing else is known, so we’re not yet sure who’ll be writing or directing it, let alone starring in the movie. Nonetheless, it’s an exciting time to be a Phasmo fan.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
