What Does the Music Box Do in Phasmophobia?

Phasmophobia is a horror survival game that has captivated fans with its eerie atmosphere, paranormal investigations, and terrifying ghost encounters. Among the many cursed possessions in the game, the music box stands out as one of the most intriguing and dangerous tools available to ghost hunters. But what exactly does the music box do in Phasmophobia, and how can players use it effectively?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the mechanics of the music box, how it interacts with ghosts, the risks involved in using it, and some strategies to maximize its potential without getting yourself (or your team) killed.

What Is the Music Box in Phasmophobia?

The music box is one of the seven cursed possessions introduced in Phasmophobia as part of the Cursed Possessions update. These objects provide players with unique ways to interact with ghosts, often at great risk. The music box, in particular, is a small, seemingly innocent item that plays a haunting melody when activated.

However, don’t be fooled by its delicate appearance. This cursed object can quickly turn a peaceful investigation into a terrifying nightmare if not handled properly.

How to Find the Music Box

In each investigation, only one cursed possession will spawn, randomly selected from the pool of seven available objects. The music box, like the others, will appear in specific spawn locations depending on the map. Players can identify it by its small size and classic wooden design.

Once found, the music box can be picked up and used by interacting with it. However, using it recklessly can have deadly consequences.

What Happens When You Use the Music Box?

When the music box is activated, it plays a soft, eerie lullaby that echoes through the building. This melody has a special effect on the ghost:

1. Ghost Attraction – If the ghost is within range (about 5 meters), it will be drawn to the music box and start humming along with the tune. This can be an excellent way to locate the ghost's position early in the game.
2. Ghost Manifestation – If the ghost is close enough, it will physically appear while humming, allowing players to take ghost photos for extra money.
3. Triggering a Hunt – If the ghost gets too close to the music box while it is playing, it will enter an immediate cursed hunt. This means the ghost will start a hunting phase instantly, without any warning signs like flickering lights.

The cursed hunt triggered by the music box is longer and more aggressive than a regular hunt, making it a dangerous tool to use without a proper escape plan.

Risks and Dangers of Using the Music Box

While the music box can be useful for locating the ghost or gathering evidence, it comes with significant risks:

• Insta-Hunt Trigger – If the ghost is within 5 meters when the music starts, the hunt will begin immediately, catching unprepared players off guard.
• Extended Hunt Duration – A cursed hunt lasts longer than a normal one, increasing the chances of being caught.
• No Safe Hiding – If you are too close to the ghost when the hunt starts, you might not have time to hide.
• Sanity Drain – Using the music box causes a significant sanity loss, making players more vulnerable to future hunts.

Given these risks, players should be extremely cautious when using the music box and have a strategy in place before activating it.

Best Strategies for Using the Music Box

Despite the dangers, experienced ghost hunters can use the music box effectively with the right approach. Here are some best practices:

1. Use It to Pinpoint the Ghost’s Location

• If you’re unsure where the ghost is, activate the music box in a central location and listen for humming.
• If you hear humming but don’t see the ghost, you now have a better idea of its room.
• This is especially useful on large maps where finding the ghost can take a long time.

2. Get a Ghost Photo for Extra Money

• If the ghost manifests while humming, quickly take a photo to earn extra rewards.
• Keep a camera ready and ensure you have a clear line of sight.

3. Plan an Escape Route Before Activation

• Never use the music box without knowing where your nearest hiding spot is.
• If the ghost starts hunting, run immediately and break line of sight.

4. Don’t Use It at Low Sanity

• Since the music box drains sanity and can trigger a hunt, avoid using it when your sanity is already low.
• If you must use it late in the game, ensure you have sanity pills available.

5. Pair It With Other Equipment

• The music box works well with parabolic microphones and EMF readers to gather extra evidence.
• If you suspect the ghost is in a particular room, start the box near a motion sensor or sound sensor to confirm activity.

Which Ghosts Are Most Affected by the Music Box?

While all ghosts can be drawn to the music box, some react in ways that can help identify them:

• The Myling – Since Mylings are quieter when hunting, listening to their humming can help confirm their identity.
• The Revenant – If a Revenant starts hunting due to the music box, it will move very fast toward the last known location. If you hide, it will slow down significantly.
• The Banshee – Banshees are attracted to their targeted player and might approach the music box more aggressively if their chosen victim is nearby.

By observing how the ghost reacts, skilled players can use the music box to deduce its type.

When NOT to Use the Music Box

Although the music box is a powerful tool, there are situations where using it is a bad idea:

• If you’re playing solo, using the music box can be risky since you have no teammates to revive or assist you.
• If your hiding spots are blocked, triggering a hunt can be a death sentence.
• If your team’s sanity is critically low, the music box will almost certainly cause a death.

Understanding these risks will help players make better decisions and avoid unnecessary deaths.

Is the Music Box Worth Using?

The music box in Phasmophobia is both a useful and dangerous tool. It provides an efficient way to locate the ghost and even take valuable ghost photos, but it also comes with severe risks, including sanity drain and instant cursed hunts.

For experienced players who understand its mechanics, the music box can be a powerful investigative tool. However, for beginners, using it without a plan can quickly turn a routine ghost hunt into a disastrous wipe.

If you decide to use the music box, always have an escape route ready, monitor your sanity levels, and be prepared for a cursed hunt. Use it wisely, and it might just help you complete your objectives without becoming the ghost’s next victim.