Winter’s Jest Event Returns to Phasmophobia in 2025 with a Twist
Winter is creeping in again, which means two things: holiday cheer for “normal” people, and pure seasonal suffering for the weirdos that love to play horror games during the Christmas season…like me.
Krampus is officially clocking back in for another year of festive bullying with the return of the Winter’s Jest event, running from December 16th, 2025 through January 6th, 2026 at 12 PM GMT across all platforms. If you thought last year was bad, buckle up.
This time Krampus brought a checklist.
Before we get into the fun, the chaos, and the community grind, here is the official Winter’s Jest trailer Kinetic Games that dropped today. It features Krampus being caught on camera for the first time, and yes, he looks exactly as jacked up as we all expected:
Now that we’re all on the same holly jolly page, let’s talk about what you can expect from this funderful event this year.
What’s Returning This Year in Phasmophobia for Winter's Jest?
Winter’s Jest is, at its heart, a tradition.
A dark one. A cold one. A “why is the ghost so angry, it’s Christmas” kind of tradition.
Just like last year, players across the entire community will be working together to complete contracts, hit seemingly endless optional objectives, and track down Krampus’ jack in the box items to push global progress forward.
Winter’s Jest 2025 Tanglewood Hallway | Phasmophobia | Kinetic Games
If you played the 2024 Winter’s Jest event, you’ll recognize the snow-soaked maps, creepy decorations, and that constant feeling that Krampus is lurking just out of sight. The structure is familiar, but don’t get too comfortable.
This year, Krampus got a brand new bag. Literally.
The Naughty and Nice List
Despite saying seasonal events would repeat and that players should not expect new additions…Kinetic Games decided to pull a fast one.
As you approach an event map this year, you’ll find Krampus’ huge bag of gifts waiting for you. Inside the bag is a Naughty or Nice list filled with names and specific presents that Krampus wants you to track down for him.
Your job is to find each required item somewhere within the map and deliver it back to the bag. When you finish the list, you earn Community Goal points and also receive a personal gift.
Winter’s Jest 2025 Krampus’ Naughty and Nice List | Phasmophobia | Kinetic Games
What’s in the gift? No one knows yet.
Kinetic Games is staying mysterious, and that usually means “you’re about to get jump scared in a creative new way.”
This new scavenger-style mechanic already sets Winter’s Jest 2025 apart from last year’s event. It gives players another objective to pursue beyond simply identifying the ghost and running for the truck. If you like exploring maps (or if you simply enjoy throwing stuff into a bag while being stalked by supernatural forces) this year’s event is prolly going to be your thing.
Event Maps and Daily Rotation
Just like the other seasonal events this year, Winter’s Jest will feature a daily rotation of event maps. Here’s the full lineup, including the latest addition to Phasmophobia’s map pool:
Nell’s Diner Decorations | Phasmophobia | Kinetic Games
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10 Ridgeview Court
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6 Tanglewood Drive
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13 Willow Street
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42 Edgefield Road
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Camp Woodwind
Bleasdale Farmhouse
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Grafton Farmhouse
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Maple Lodge Campsite
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Point Hope
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Nell’s Diner (new map)
I’m personally looking forward to seeing the new maps like Nell’s Diner and farmhouse map reworks decked in boughs of holly, but if you want to make fast progress on both personal and community objectives – make sure to stick to the event maps of the day.
Only those maps count toward Winter’s Jest goals.
Only those maps count toward Winter’s Jest goals.
Rewards: What You’re Grinding For
The Winter’s Jest rewards are split between Community Goals and Personal Goals.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Community Rewards
Goal 1: Toy Soldier ID Card and Badge
Goal 2: Winter’s Jest Trophy
If you already earned it last year, you immediately start working toward upgrades…yay…endless upgrades without closure…again.
Toy Soldier ID Card Reward | Phasmophobia | Kinetic Games
Personal Rewards
Goal 1: Animated Toy Soldier ID Card
Goal 2: Winter’s Jest Trophy upgrades
You can upgrade the trophy up to three times.
From December 16th through December 23rd, all investigations award double XP and double money. If you’re trying to level up fast or stockpile cash for new gear, this is your moment. Get in there early!
Quick Tips to Crush this Year's Winter's Jest Event in Phasmo
Want to get everything done without pulling your hair out?
Here are a few fast, reliable tips.
Check the event map rotation every day so you never waste a run.
Grab Krampus’ bag task before you start investigating the ghost. This ensures you know exactly what to keep your eyes out for.
Winter’s Jest Decorations | Phasmophobia | Kinetic Games
Split up to find items faster, then regroup before hunts so nobody becomes a free Christmas snack.
Higher difficulties mean faster progress toward goals.
Always complete optional objectives for big Community Goal boosts.
Week one is the perfect time to farm levels thanks to double XP.
What to Expect in This Year's Event
Expect snowy decorations, expect spooky lighting, expect jump scares, and expect Krampus hunting you with jingle bells on throughout the event.
Kinetic Games hinted that he may appear in different areas beyond the maps themselves (whatever that means), so keep an eye on their socials for chaotic holiday surprises.
Winter’s Jest Decorations | Phasmophobia | Kinetic Games
More importantly, expect to complete the Naughty and Nice list several times and expect mystery rewards that probably won’t be a lump of coal but might be spiritually the equivalent.
Get Pumped for Another Spooky Christmas Event in Phasmophobia!
Winter’s Jest is back and colder than ever. With a brand new scavenger hunt system, rotating maps, double XP, and the entire community working together toward shared rewards, this year’s event offers a lot to dig into for both casual players and seasoned ghost hunters.
Check our other Phasmophobia Guides, grab your flashlight, and whatever you do, do not end up on Krampus’ Naughty List.
Happy hunting, and happy holidays from ReportAFK!
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