The air in Tanglewood Drive has turned frigid, and it is not just because of the freezing temperatures evidence. The Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest event has officially returned for 2025, bringing a chilling mix of holiday cheer and supernatural dread. Whether you are a veteran ghost hunter or a newcomer picking up your first EMF reader, this year’s seasonal update offers a massive community challenge with exclusive cosmetic rewards that you will not want to miss.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Winter’s Jest event, including how to find Krampus’s presents, how to earn Event Points effectively, and what rewards are waiting for you at the finish line.
What is the Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest Event?
The Winter’s Jest event is Phasmophobia’s annual holiday celebration. This year, Kinetic Games has introduced a community-driven progression system where players worldwide contribute to a shared goal. The event centers around the return of Krampus, a legendary figure who has replaced the standard ghost models on specific event maps.
The core gameplay loop involves traveling to haunted locations marked with a festive present icon. Once inside, players must balance their usual ghost-hunting duties with a new set of holiday-themed objectives: locating “Naughty and Nice” presents for Krampus and triggering hidden Jack-in-the-Boxes. Successfully completing these tasks earns you Event Points, which fuel both your personal progress and the global community total.
Event Dates and Platforms
Timing is everything if you want to maximize your gains. The Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest event is live across all platforms, including PC (Steam) and consoles.
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Start Date: December 16, 2025
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End Date: January 6, 2026
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Bonus Week: From December 16 to December 23, players receive Double XP and Money on all investigations.
If you are looking to prestige or stock up on high-tier equipment, that first week of double rewards is the perfect time to grind.
Rewards, Bonuses, and Personal Unlocks
The Winter’s Jest event features a dual-track reward system. There are rewards the entire community works toward together, and personal rewards that depend entirely on your own performance.
Community Rewards:
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Stage 1: Toy Soldier ID Card and Badge set.
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Stage 2: The base Winter’s Jest Trophy (for your warehouse display).
Personal Rewards:
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Animated Toy Soldier ID Card: A special “foil” version of the community badge that features unique animations.
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Trophy Upgrades: If you already have the Winter’s Jest trophy from previous years, your points will go toward up to three distinct upgrades to change its appearance and prestige.
In-Mission Bonuses:
Completing Krampus’s “Naughty and Nice” list during a mission does not just give you Event Points. It also drops immediate rewards in the van, such as:
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Sanity-restoring cookies.
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Random high-tier equipment (like Tier 3 Incense or Crucifixes).
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The rare Snowball Launcher, a fun seasonal item used to pelt your teammates (or the ghost) with snow.
How to Earn Event Points Fast
To finish the Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest event efficiently, you need to understand the point breakdown. Points are only awarded if you correctly identify the ghost and survive the investigation.
| Objective | Points Awarded |
| Correct Ghost Identification | 10 Points |
| Complete Optional Objectives | 3 Points (each) |
| Trigger Jack-in-the-Box | 2 Points |
| Deliver a Present to the Sack | 2 Points |
| Complete Full Gift List | +10 Points |
| Difficulty Multiplier | +1 Point per 1x multiplier |
Pro Tip: Playing on Professional (x8 multiplier) or Nightmare (x10 multiplier) is the fastest way to stack points. A perfect Professional run with all presents delivered can easily net you over 40 Event Points in a single session.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Winter’s Jest
Navigating the holiday maps can be tricky, especially with Krampus hunting you down. Use these strategies to stay alive and earn those rewards:
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Check the Map Board: Only locations marked with a red present icon count toward the event. There are ten rotating maps in total, including 6 Tanglewood Drive, 10 Ridgeview Court, and the newly festive Nell’s Diner.
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Prioritize the List: As soon as you enter a house, check the sack near the front door. The icons on the list tell you exactly what items you need to find. Common items include Coal, Candy Canes, Nutcrackers, and Toy Elves.
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Box Hunting: Jack-in-the-Boxes often spawn in high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. Listen for a faint mechanical winding sound to locate them.
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The “Double Up” Strategy: In multiplayer, have one person focus entirely on the Krampus list while the others gather evidence. This ensures the investigation moves quickly without sacrificing Event Points.
Why the Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest Event is Worth Playing
Aside from the festive atmosphere, this event is a milestone for the game’s community. Kinetic Games shadow-dropped three brand-new ghosts—Dayan, Obambo, and Gallu—alongside this update. This means even if you have mastered every previous ghost type, there are fresh mechanics and evidence combinations to learn.
The combination of double XP, new ghosts, and high-quality animated cosmetics makes this one of the most content-rich holiday updates the game has ever seen. It transforms the standard horror loop into a scavenger hunt that feels both rewarding and intense.
Conclusion
The Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest event is a fantastic way to wrap up the year. With three new ghosts to hunt and a warehouse trophy to upgrade, the stakes have never been higher. Make sure to jump in before January 6 to secure your limited-edition ID cards and show off your status as a master ghost hunter.
Grab your thermometer, check your “Naughty and Nice” list, and head into the snow. Just remember: Krampus is watching, and he does not care if you have been good or bad—he only cares if you get the evidence.
Winter’s Jest FAQ
Do I need to be a certain level to participate?
No, the event is open to everyone. However, some larger maps like Bleasdale Farmhouse or Nell’s Diner require you to reach a specific level (usually Level 5 or higher) before they can be selected.
What happens if I die during a mission?
If you die, you will lose any Event Points earned during that specific investigation. You must survive and leave in the van to bank your points toward the community and personal goals.
Can I get the Snowball Launcher permanently?
The Snowball Launcher is an in-mission reward granted for completing Krampus’s gift list. It is a seasonal item meant for festive fun during the investigation and does not currently stay in your permanent equipment inventory after the event ends.
