Backpack Hero Ghostly Items explained

Ghostly is one of the item traits available in Backpack Hero. In this guide, I'll explain what the Ghostly trait does and how Ghostly items can be used to enhance backpack builds.

While the idea of Ghostly items is introduced pretty early on in-game, they're not seen spawning in the Dungeon until you've played enough to beat the Ghostly quest. Knowing how to use them, plus following some of our tips for new players, will help you delve deeper into the Dungeon than ever before.

What are Ghostly Items in Backpack Hero?

Ghostly items are defined in the game's Atlas as "Items that cannot be detected."

Essentially, Ghostly items cannot be detected by other items, meaning the space they take up in the bag will be viewed as empty by other items. Items that affect other items, whether by strengthening or destroying them, will be unable to affect items with the Ghostly trait.

In the build pictured above, I placed a Wooden Blade above a Minute Hand. The Wooden Blade was given the Ghostly trait by the Spectral Orb next to it, so it was not given the Minute Hand's +2 damage buff. After reorganizing my bag to move the Spectral Orb away from the sword, it was able to properly utilize the Minute Hand's buff.

For items like the Ghost Gem, the Ghostly effect is given only to the item specifically designated as "Ghostly."

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Unlike the Ghost Gem, items like the Ghost Glove and Spectral Orb can spread the Ghostly trait to nearby items in different ways. The Spectral Orb, in particular, extends the Ghostly trait to every adjacent item.

How to get Ghostly Items in Backpack Hero

Ghostly items are first mentioned after the attack on Haversack Hill by the King's men at the beginning of the game. The Ghost NPC found after this attack introduces the idea of Ghostly items to the player.

After meeting the NPC, completing the "Ghostly!" quest will unlock the Spectral Orb, Ghost Gem, and Ghost Glove items.

The hardest part of getting Ghostly items after this is finding them while traversing through the dungeon, as they are not common items. However, you can replay the "Ghostly!" quest to experiment with using the Spectral Orb and different ways of using the Ghostly trait.

Making a weapon Ghostly using a Cursed Forge

Even if you're unable to find a Ghostly Item while traversing the Dungeon, if you come upon a Cursed Forge you have the opportunity to turn a weapon Ghostly while giving it 2 burn damage.

How to use Ghostly Items in Backpack Hero

Ghostly items are most useful in combination with items that require empty spaces to work. This makes them perfect for archery-based builds, items that require empty slots, and items that have negative effects dependent upon adjacent items.

Using Ghostly Items in archery builds

The issue with archery builds in Backpack Hero is that they require a lot of empty space in the backpack to do substantial damage. This is because arrows do more damage per empty space in their row.

Without Ghostly Items, you'll be limited to carrying a bow, a few arrows, and maybe one or two other items. It's not a bad setup, but you could easily get knocked out without potions and other items to tide you over. Since Ghostly Items cannot be detected by other items, they can be placed in the empty spaces next to the arrows without reducing their damage! The Spectral Orb is especially handy here, but the other Ghostly Items would be just as helpful.

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Using Ghostly Items to efficiently use other items

Ghostly Items are the perfect tool for utilizing items in this game that can be used well but have some caveats to being used or to nearby items being used. One example of this would be the Banshee Buckler, which does more damage if the spaces diagonal to it are empty. By filling the diagonal spaces with other Ghostly Items, the Banshee Buckler's defenses can be increased without limiting the tools you can carry.

Another example would be the Soul Axe, which disables when adjacent items are used. Placing items with the Ghostly trait around the Soul Axe would allow the items to be used while leaving the axe available to deal damage.

This even works for Relics like the Philosopher's Stone. Typically, it creates energy by destroying adjacent and diagonal consumables. However, using the Spectral Orb to give a Cool Drink consumable the Ghostly trait prevented the Philosopher's Stone from destroying it.

It takes some experimenting to understand how to fully utilize Ghostly items, but it is well worth the time spent! I recommend exploring them by replaying the Ghostly quest or by playing through quick-play mode.

If you're looking to add more Roguelites to your wishlist, check out our article What is Windblown (Release Date, Trailer, Platforms, and more) here on Pro Game Guides.