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Back up your original save file before replacing it. Once you copy the encrypted file to your Phasmophobia save location, the original will be overwritten. Keep a backup in case you need to restore your progress.Save location: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Kinetic Games\Phasmophobia\SaveFile.txt

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Overview

After decrypting and editing your save file, you need to re-encrypt it back to the format Phasmophobia expects. PhasmoDecrypt handles this encryption using the same AES-CBC algorithm the game uses, ensuring compatibility.

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Encryption Methods

From the main menu, select Encrypt to access encryption options:

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Auto-Detect Decrypted File

1

Select 'Use My Decrypted File'

From the Encrypt menu, use the Left/Right arrow keys to select Use My Decrypted File, then press Enter.
2

Automatic file detection

PhasmoDecrypt looks for SaveFile_Decrypted.json in the current directory (where PhasmoDecrypt.exe is located).This file is automatically created when you:
  • Use the “Save Decrypted File” option after decryption
  • Use the “Save decrypted” option in the Presets menu
If the file doesn’t exist, you’ll see an error and need to use the manual path option.
3

Encryption and output

The decrypted JSON is encrypted and saved as:
SaveFile_Encrypted.txt
You’ll see the success message:
Encrypt Successful saved to SaveFile_Encrypted.txt

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Manual File Path

1

Select 'I ll add it myself'

From the Encrypt menu, navigate to I ll add it myself and press Enter.
2

Enter file path

You’ll see the prompt:
File Path >
Enter the full path to your decrypted JSON file:
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\SaveFile_Decrypted.json
D:\Backups\modified_save.json
You can drag and drop the file into the console (quotes will be automatically trimmed).
3

Validation and encryption

PhasmoDecrypt validates that:
  • The path is not empty or whitespace
  • The file exists at the specified location
Once validated, the file is encrypted and saved as SaveFile_Encrypted.txt in the current directory.

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How Encryption Works

PhasmoDecrypt uses the Crypter class to perform AES-CBC encryption:
  1. Generates a random IV - Creates a 16-byte initialization vector using cryptographically secure random number generation
  2. Derives the encryption key - Uses PBKDF2 (Rfc2898DeriveBytes) with the game’s secret key, the IV, and 100 iterations with SHA1
  3. Encrypts the data - Applies AES encryption in CBC mode with PKCS7 padding
  4. Combines IV and encrypted data - Prepends the IV to the encrypted bytes (game expects this format)
Reference: /workspace/source/Classes/Crypter.cs:54-85

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Technical Details

The encryption process matches Phasmophobia’s format exactly: 
[16 bytes: IV][Remaining bytes: Encrypted save data]
  • Algorithm: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
  • Mode: CBC (Cipher Block Chaining)
  • Padding: PKCS7
  • Key derivation: PBKDF2 with SHA1, 100 iterations
  • Secret: Game-specific constant ("t36gref9u84y7f43g")
Reference: /workspace/source/Classes/Globals.cs:7

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Encrypting from Presets Menu

If you’re using presets to modify your save, you can encrypt directly from the Presets menu:
1

Navigate to Presets

Decrypt your save file and select Presets from the after-decryption menu.
2

Apply desired presets

Use any combination of presets (Unlock All tier 3, Max Items, Change Money/XP, or Use all).
3

Select 'Save and encrypt'

Navigate to Save and encrypt in the Presets menu and press Enter.
4

Encrypted file created

Your modified save is encrypted and saved as:
SaveFile_Encrypted.txt
This file is ready to be copied to your Phasmophobia save directory.
Reference: /workspace/source/Program.cs:265-270

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Using the Encrypted Save

After encryption, you need to replace your game’s save file:
1

Locate your encrypted file

Find SaveFile_Encrypted.txt in the directory where PhasmoDecrypt.exe is located.
2

Backup your original save

Before replacing, make a backup of your current save file:
  1. Navigate to: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Kinetic Games\Phasmophobia\
  2. Copy SaveFile.txt to a backup location
  3. Label it clearly (e.g., SaveFile_Backup_2026-03-03.txt)
3

Close Phasmophobia

Ensure Phasmophobia is completely closed before replacing the save file. The game may overwrite your changes if it’s running.
4

Replace the save file

  1. Rename SaveFile_Encrypted.txt to SaveFile.txt
  2. Copy it to: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Kinetic Games\Phasmophobia\
  3. When prompted, choose to replace the existing file
5

Launch and verify

Start Phasmophobia and verify your changes:
  • Check your money and XP
  • Verify unlocked items and tiers
  • Test that the game loads without errors
If anything is wrong, restore your backup from Step 2.

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Quick Access to Save Directory

To quickly navigate to your Phasmophobia save directory:
  1. Press Windows Key + R
  2. Paste this path: 
    %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Kinetic Games\Phasmophobia
  3. Press Enter

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Output Files Reference

PhasmoDecrypt creates different output files depending on your workflow:
FileCreated ByPurpose
SaveFile_Decrypted.json”Save Decrypted File” optionHuman-readable JSON for editing
SaveFile_Encrypted.txtEncryption processGame-compatible encrypted save
Both files are created in the directory where PhasmoDecrypt.exe is located. Reference: /workspace/source/Program.cs:161-162, /workspace/source/Program.cs:314

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Troubleshooting

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”No SaveFile_Decrypted.json found”

This means the auto-detect feature couldn’t find the decrypted file. Causes:
  • You haven’t saved the decrypted file yet
  • The file was moved or deleted
  • The file has a different name
Solution: Use the manual path option or go back and use “Save Decrypted File” after decrypting.

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Game doesn’t recognize the encrypted save

Possible causes:
  • File not renamed to SaveFile.txt
  • File placed in wrong directory
  • Original JSON had syntax errors
  • Game was running when you replaced the file
Solution:
  1. Verify the file is named exactly SaveFile.txt (not .txt.txt)
  2. Confirm it’s in: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Kinetic Games\Phasmophobia\
  3. Close and restart Phasmophobia completely

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Changes reverted after launching game

Possible causes:
  • Game was running when you replaced the file
  • Cloud save sync overwrote your changes
  • Wrong profile/user folder
Solution:
  1. Ensure Phasmophobia is fully closed (check Task Manager)
  2. Disable Steam Cloud sync for Phasmophobia if enabled
  3. Verify you’re editing the correct user profile’s save

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Game crashes on load

Possible causes:
  • Corrupted encryption
  • Invalid JSON before encryption
  • Extreme values in save file
Solution:
  1. Restore your backup save immediately
  2. Validate your JSON file before encrypting
  3. Use more conservative values in your edits
  4. Try encrypting again with a fresh decryption

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Best Practices

  • Always keep backups - Save multiple versions with timestamps
  • Test incrementally - Make small changes and test before doing more
  • Close the game first - Never replace files while Phasmophobia is running
  • Validate before encrypting - Check your JSON syntax before encryption
  • Use descriptive names - Label your backup files clearly

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Next Steps

  • Decrypt saves - Learn about the decryption process
  • Edit saves - Understand save file structure and manual editing
  • Use presets - Apply common modifications without manual editing

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