The Crucifix item in Phasmophobia works as a defense mechanism against Ghost Hunts. Each time the item is used, you will burn off one of the arms to show how many charges it has. Contrary to popular belief, the Crucifix does not block Ghosts while already hunting or work as a repellent. Instead, the Crucifix prevents Hunts within a small radius and requires players to know where the Ghost will spawn to use it effectively. This is how the Crucifix works in Phasmophobia.
How the Crucifix works in Phasmophobia
The Crucifix in Phasmophobia is a defensive item that works similarly to how Smudge Sticks prevent the Ghost from initiating a Hunt. The Crucifix has two charges to prevent two Ghost Hunts, and one of the arms will burn when used successfully. They are very useful in keeping players alive and cost $30 each. Players can bring two of them into each Investigation and have an Objective attached to using them to prevent a Ghost Hunt.
The Crucifix works by preventing a Hunt but has specific parameters that have to be met to do so. When placing a Crucifix down or holding one in hand, it will only prevent a Ghost Hunt if the Ghost attempts to Hunt within a radius of three meters, unless it is a Demon, in which case this is increased to five meters. For it to properly work, players will have to figure out the Ghost Room and then place the Crucifix inside as just leaving it anywhere won’t protect anybody. If a Cursed Object is used and a Cursed Hunt is initiated, the Crucifix will not work to prevent it.
Where to place the Crucifix in Phasmophobia
Much of the confusion as to where the Crucifix should be placed in Phasmophobia comes from not knowing how to identify the Ghost Room or figure out where it spawns. During Ghost Events when the Ghost appears, the Crucifix can be placed in that location as it is roughly where the Ghost can spawn from during Hunts. Other indicators can be the coldest spot of a room, although a Ghost that moves a lot can make this harder to tell as the cold temperature will linger for a few minutes after the Ghost has left. Generally, if the Ghost has interacted with anything, placing a Crucifix at that last interaction point is the best bet.
For more Phasmophobia guides, check out Phasmophobia Cheat Sheet – Updated! (November 2022) on Pro Game Guides.