If you're wondering how to start a hunt in Demonology, you're not alone. Hunts are one of the most important mechanics in the game because they allow players to identify ghost behavior, complete objectives, earn rewards, and experience the most intense part of an investigation.

While hunts can happen naturally as your team's Energy drops, there are also several ways to force a hunt using cursed objects and special interactions. Knowing how each method works can help you trigger hunts safely and avoid getting eliminated.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to start a hunt in Demonology, including natural hunts, cursed hunts, hunt triggers, and survival tips.

What is a hunt in Demonology?

A hunt is a phase where the ghost becomes hostile and actively searches for players.

During a hunt:

• The entrance door locks
• Lights begin flickering
• Flashlights malfunction
• Radios stop working properly
• The ghost moves through the map
• Players can be killed if caught

Unlike regular ghost events, hunts are lethal and should be treated seriously.

Many players intentionally start hunts because some ghosts have unique hunt behaviors that can help identify them more easily.

How to start a hunt in Demonology

There are several ways to start a hunt in Demonology. Some methods rely on lowering your team's Energy, while others use cursed objects to trigger a hunt instantly. Below are all the known ways to force a hunt.

Lower your team's Energy

The most common way to start a hunt in Demonology is by lowering your team's average Energy.

Every ghost has a specific Energy threshold that allows it to begin hunting. Most ghosts become capable of hunting once the team's average Energy falls below 50%. Some aggressive ghosts can hunt much earlier.

You can reduce your Energy by:

• Staying inside the haunted location
• Experiencing ghost events
• Using cursed objects
• Spending time in dark rooms
• Interacting with paranormal activity
• Investigating the ghost room

The longer your investigation lasts, the more likely a hunt becomes.

Use the Umbra Board

The Umbra Board is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to force a hunt.

To start a hunt using the Umbra Board:

1. Find the Umbra Board.
2. Interact with it.
3. Type: Hide and seek
4. Confirm the command.
5. Wait for the countdown.
6. The board breaks and the hunt begins.

This method works regardless of your current Energy level, making it one of the most reliable hunt triggers in the game.

Many players use the Umbra Board when testing ghost speed, hunting patterns, or challenge runs.

Activate the Summoning Circle

The Summoning Circle guarantees a Cursed Hunt.

To use the Summoning Circle:

1. Find the Summoning Circle.
2. Bring a Lighter.
3. Light all five candles.
4. Wait for the ghost to appear.
5. After the summoning sequence finishes, a Cursed Hunt starts.

The Summoning Circle is powerful but dangerous.

Each candle drains approximately 10% Energy, meaning you'll lose around 50% Energy before the hunt even starts.

Because of this, players should know exactly where they plan to hide before lighting the final candle.

Use the Music Box

The Music Box can also trigger a hunt.

To start a hunt with the Music Box:

1. Pick up the Music Box.
2. Activate it.
3. Follow the music to locate the ghost.
4. Continue using the Music Box until your Energy reaches zero.
5. The song reverses.
6. A Cursed Hunt begins immediately.

This method is useful because it helps locate the ghost room while also providing a guaranteed hunt trigger.

However, it's one of the riskiest cursed objects because the hunt starts very quickly.

Use other cursed objects

Several cursed objects can indirectly start hunts.

Examples include:

• Haunted Mirror
• Fortune Teller
• Music Box
• Umbra Board
• Summoning Circle

These objects often drain Energy while being used.

If your Energy becomes too low or the item reaches its breaking point, the ghost can immediately begin hunting.

Because of this, experienced players always monitor their Energy before interacting with cursed objects.

Get the "They Come For You Now" fortune

The Fortune Teller provides random outcomes.

One of the possible fortunes is:

They Come For You Now

If you receive this fortune, a hunt begins shortly afterward.

Since the results are random, the Fortune Teller is not a reliable method for consistently triggering hunts, but it can still happen.

How to tell when a hunt has started

Many new players confuse ghost events with hunts.

Here are the most common signs that a hunt has started:

• The front door locks
• Lights flicker repeatedly
• Flashlights begin flashing
• Radio communication fails
• Ghost sounds become more aggressive
• The ghost starts moving through the map

On lower difficulties, you'll usually get a short grace period before the ghost becomes dangerous.

On higher difficulties, the ghost can begin chasing players almost immediately.

Best places to hide during a hunt in Demonology

Once you've started a hunt, surviving becomes the priority.

Good hiding spots

• Closets
• Lockers
• Small side rooms
• Behind furniture
• Corners away from line of sight

Places to avoid

• Hallways
• Open rooms
• Staircases
• Near the front door
• Near the ghost room

Always turn off your flashlight and avoid making unnecessary movement if the ghost is nearby.

Why do players start hunts on purpose?

Many players intentionally trigger hunts because they provide useful information.

Reasons include:

• Identifying ghost types
• Completing optional objectives
• Learning ghost behavior
• Testing hunt speed
• Taking ghost photos
• Challenge runs with friends

Certain ghosts display unique movement speeds or abilities during hunts, making hunts one of the best identification tools available.

Best method to start a hunt in Demonology

For most players, the easiest methods are: