Level 3

Level 3 is the 4th level of the Backrooms. It is one of the first few levels that Wanderers usually encounter.

Description

Level 3 is a series of long, dark, twisting hallways that work similarly to Level 0. They all consist of randomly segmented rooms, which form in no particular pattern, and are extremely loud with the noises of machinery. The hallways are very narrow and enclosed, some even requiring wanderers of average height and build to bend, hunch, crawl, or walk sideways through them.

The walls are comprised of dusty, brown bricks, usually covered in segments of copper pipes and mechanical components. The floors are made of an even dustier grey-tiled floor, whilst the ceiling is made entirely from metal.

Level 3 is one of the larger levels of the Backrooms. Estimated at around 350 million square miles in area (~563 million square kilometers), this presumed size makes sightings of fellow wanderers scarce when traveling through Level 3. It is recommended that you enter Level 3 only if you are properly prepared to defend yourself from anything lurking in the hallways with you, as it is highly unlikely that any aid will come to you should you need it.

As mentioned, Level 0 and Level 3 share some similarities. The rooms are of similar size and layout, and the hallways of both are long and winding. However, the levels also contain some striking differences. One such example would pertain to the rooms of Level 3 themselves, which sometimes contain objects inside of them that help differentiates them from other rooms, something which Level 0 lacks. One of the more notable examples of this is that of a set of rusty prison bars, captured in image form by The M.E.G. in the initial exploration of the level in 2012 (see the image attached to the right for a reference regarding the appearance of the bars). Further tests have demonstrated that no matter what methods were attempted, bars could never be removed or opened, nor the walls around them.1 Such obstructions have made it impossible to traverse certain portions of Level 3, so the level cannot be fully mapped at present.

M.E.G. field explorers have reported that areas, where prison bars are more numerous, tend to instill a heightened sense of fear and extreme discomfort in wanderers. Wanderers often claim to feel as if they are being watched, and have even claimed to see strange figures lurking beyond the bars. The M.E.G. has concluded that such phenomena are either the result of hallucinations, or merely rumors.

Level 3 shares many similarities with Level 2, such as the fact that walls are typically lined with pipes. The pipes are far less abundant than those of Level 2, but can still be found lining the corners of most hallways. The echo of the viscous, black sludge that flows through these pipes is one of the main sources of noise within the level. The sludge in question is highly toxic and emits deadly fumes that cause damage to the body’s nervous system if inhaled, as well as 2nd/3rd-degree burns upon direct contact with skin. All studies attempting to analyze the chemical composition of the sludge have yielded inconclusive results. This in itself poses an obstacle to research on the substance’s properties and potential functions.

Out-of-place electrical rooms can also be found randomly throughout the hallways of Level 3. These electrical rooms can vary greatly in every single aspect, but the majority of them are extremely dark and contain a single generator. Electrical or electronic appliances such as breaker boxes, computers, loose wires, security camera monitors, and fluorescent lights have also been reported.

Level 3, while relatively dangerous, is considered a hotspot for supply bases. This is because Level 3 is rich with resources such as Almond Water, False Outlets, Liquid Pain, Firesalt, Royal Rations, Squirt Guns, and Bottled Lightning. Along with the aforementioned items, other objects not native to The Backrooms can be found throughout the level, such as knives, lighters, bolt cutters, flashlights, and other miscellaneous weapons or supplies. Notably, Level 3 is also the level in which Wi-Fi in The Backrooms is at its strongest, sitting at a consistent three or four bars instead of fluctuating randomly like in the majority of other levels.

The abundant machinery within the level causes temperatures within Level 3 to be uncomfortably warm but generally bearable, with the average temperature ranging widely from 66 to 93°F (~18 to 33°C). Long-distance travel across Level 3 is made difficult by regions in which the temperature may rise dramatically to become entirely inhospitable, with the highest temperature ever recorded being 135°F (~57°C)2. Reports also exist of regions with damp, thick air, which makes the air in these areas difficult to breathe.

The machinery of Level 3 is quite possibly the most dangerous aspect of its ambient environment. The machines found throughout the level operate autonomously without the need for external intervention. Wanderers may benefit from useful machinery or tap into the apparently infinite extranormal supply of electricity powering them. However, the autonomy of these machines also makes them hazardously volatile. Machines often break down and require regular maintenance, which is dangerous since their power supply cannot be turned off by any means. Furthermore, the machines have been known to spontaneously combust or explode on several occasions, causing grievous injury to Wanderers unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity. Despite this, the danger of machinery can be easily avoided if one does not act rashly while traversing the level, and instead scouts out a safe route.

Entities

Level 3 contains many dangerous entities. It is almost impossible to traverse large distances without encountering them at least once. Hounds, Facelings, Wretches, Male and Female Deathmoths, Skin-Stealers, Dullers, Smilers, Clumps, and Bursters all seem to inhabit this level, preying on anyone unlucky enough to succumb to them. The Crawler Fungus has been found growing here, and the high humidity makes it easy for the Disease to spread here as well, so you are advised to maintain proper hygiene practices while making your way through the tunnels.

Whilst these entities do not appear at every corner, their large numbers have caused countless casualties among wanderer circles and M.E.G. operatives alike. These entities have even been reported to actively seek out hubs of human activity — particularly minor bases —in hopes of dismantling them and feasting on their occupants. Attacks on M.E.G. Base Gamma are frequent but often pose little to no threat due to the size and defensive capacities of the base in question. Smaller groups, such as the FOJ, have reported difficulty in keeping their outposts intact. Many of them have experienced near or total collapse of their outposts as a result of multiple attacks, and live in constant fear for their safety.

Bases, Communities, and Outposts3

Numerous groups have consistently attempted to set up bases in Level 3 in order to make use of its abundant assets. A large proportion of these attempts fail merely days after they are established, as entities can and will attack vulnerable bases that are not prepared for the onslaught. The high failure rate should serve as a warning—do not attempt to settle in Level 3 unless you have the resources, manpower, and tenacity to do so.

M.E.G. - Base Gamma

Third-most important M.E.G. base.

Around 300 operatives permanently stationed here, and a large number of others lodge here, oftentimes seeking refuge from entities which are contained within the level.

Originally constructed by M.E.G. operatives out of makeshift bricks which were made of shredded toothbrushes, shoelaces, toy plastic horseshoes, and bottles of glue, all found in level 3 itself. The inhabitants of the base armed themselves with makeshift slings which were made of electrical cables and rubber bands bound to bones of some entities they had previously slain. They used capsules of Liquid Pain as ammunition for these slingshots.

Open to trading.

Commonly attacked by swarms of entities.

The most well-powered base in the Backrooms, and is also targeted by humans for that reason.

Largest documented base on Level 3.

B.N.T.G. - Storage Facility

Used as a primary storage facility for the B.N.T.G.

A multitude of resources belonging to the B.N.T.G. are stored in it, all prepared for trading in other levels.

Open to trading, but their trades have been known to be unreasonably high.

Around 150 permanent members, with the majority of visitors staying in for less than an hour due to the speed at which the B.N.T.G transfers resources between levels.

2nd largest documented base on Level 3.

Followers of Jerry - Blue Salvation

Only 15 permanent members.

Set up for the purpose of resource collection.

Very small in size, and has come under siege and teetered on the edge of destruction multiple times.

Hostile to those not willing to learn of Jerry.

Unpredictable threat level.

The Masked Maidens - Unknown name

Unconfirmed base.

Rumored to exist after frequent attacks on Base Gamma from the Maidens.

If encountered, avoid at all costs.

U.E.C. - Base Scylla

Unknown amount of members.

Likely set up to collect resources.

Not open to trading.

Should not be approached.

Entrances and Exits4

Entrances

Unlocked doors on Level 2 commonly lead to Level 3.

Elevators on Level 4 and Level 5 can lead back to Level 3.

Entering bunkers on Level 10 can sometimes lead to Level 3.

Buildings on Level 11 that have a similar look to Level 3 on the inside can sometimes teleport you to it.

Rusty pipes found inside Level 13 may lead to Level 3 should you make contact with them.

The Metro is also an easy way to access Level 3.

Exits

Elevators on **Level 3** can usually lead to Level 4 and Level 55.

Wooden doors lead to Level 31.

Sitting in the front seat of cars that are found in the electrical rooms will cause you to fall unconscious. Upon waking up, you will be in Level 69.