Game Stats: Ghostbusters 2016 Equipment

This is post number 22 in the series “31 Days of Ghostbusters,” a celebration of the franchise’s return to the big screen.

As we expected, Ghostbusters (2016) saw the return of some familiar equipment. The Ghostbusters used a PKE meter to track down spooks, strapped on proton packs to zap ‘em and grab ‘em, and finished the job with a trusty ghost trap (now in Pringles-like cylinder form). As an added bonus, though, the movie also gave us some new toys to enjoy. I’ve detailed them below, along with suggested stats for the Ghostbusters RPG. (Thanks to commenter Rick Lmire for suggesting this post!)

Proton Box (tether only)

The prototype of the proton pack, this device had more limited range, power, and portability than later versions. As a result, the proton box is only capable of tethering ghosts, not damaging them. Additionally, the operator must be attached to the box via a grounding collar, and she cannot maneuver the device without the assistance of a teammate.

Ghost Chipper (Muscles + 1 vs target’s Ectopresence)

Who needs a trap when you can suck in a ghost and grind him into quivering ectoplasm? That’s the specialty of this little marvel. Tougher ghosts might be able to resist the chipper’s pull, so you might ask a teammate to wear such a spook down with a few proton blasts first.

Proton Glove (+1 Moves attack die)

This small but potent cylinder is worn on one hand and allows the wearer to deliver a melee proton attack using Moves (or Muscles, if your Ghostmaster allows it). The Glove’s attack is not limited to melee, either—it can punch a short distance away, as well.

Proton Grenades (Roll Moves to hit; success subtracts 2 from the Power of each ghost in short range)

Guaranteed* not to harm the living, these grenades disrupt ethereal entities—from a safe throwing distance.
* Guarantee void in this state.

Dual Proton Sidearms (Requires 5+ in Moves + Appropriate Talent; deals double proton pack damage)

Holzmann’s favorite toy (well, one of them) comes in the form of two retractable sidearms attached to either side of a proton pack. They require a bit of skill to use effectively, but if you pull off a finishing move with these bad boys, it’ll surely earn you some extra Brownie Points—or at least a bonus to your next Cool roll.

Swiss Army Knife

What DOESN’T it do?

Nutcracker (automatically cracks any nut; 16.6% chance of overload and explosion)

This highly experimental piece of technology may look like a laser bear trap, but it’s actually a shell removal system for especially reticent nuts.

Ghosts From Our Past: Both Literally and Figuratively: The Study of the Paranormal

This seminal work by Ghostbusters founders Erin Gilbert and Abby L. Yates contains the authors’ early theories on the paranormal—theories which they proved true in the field. The book is available in hardcover, on Kindle, and as an audiobook. Ghostbusters could reference Ghosts From Our Past for clues relating to topics such as basic ghostology, the history of ghost-hunting, and how to conduct a metaphysical examination.

A Glimpse Into the Unknown: A Journey Into a Portal: Catching Sight of the Other Dimension: Discovering the Undiscoverable: A Curiosity Piqued and Peaked

The follow-up book by Gilbert and Yates covers what they experienced and learned during the formation of the Ghostbusters. Up-and-coming Ghostbusters might reference this book for information about the ghosts of New York, Rowan the Destroyer, and running a Ghostbusers franchise. The audiobook version read by Kevin Beckman is NOT recommended.


Did I forget anything important? Let me know in the comments!