Level 7 "The forgotten arcade"

Level 7 of the Backrooms, also known as "The Forgotten Arcade," is a sub-level of the mysterious and infinite labyrinthine universe known as the Backrooms. This level is notorious for its eerie and unsettling atmosphere, as well as its connection to Level 2, "The Abandoned School," through an enigmatic portal.

## Description

Level 7 appears to be a massive, dimly lit underground arcade that stretches on indefinitely in all directions. The floor is covered in worn-out, faded checkerboard linoleum, while the ceiling seems to disappear into a hazy darkness. The walls are lined with retro arcade cabinets, many of which appear to be from the 1980s and 1990s, giving the level a nostalgic but eerie ambiance. The fluorescent lights overhead flicker intermittently, casting eerie, shifting shadows.

The air in Level 7 is thick with an unusual and musty smell, reminiscent of stale popcorn and decaying electronics. The arcade cabinets seem to go on forever, and explorers may find themselves wandering through the maze-like rows for what feels like an eternity.

## Entrances

### Connection to Level 2: The Abandoned School

The entrance to Level 7 from Level 2, "The Abandoned School," is shrouded in mystery and is not always present. However, when it does manifest, it usually appears as a dilapidated arcade game cabinet in the school building's basement. When the cabinet is approached and the joystick and buttons are manipulated in a specific sequence, a portal in a form of a hole in the wall will open to Level 7. This connection between the two levels has baffled many explorers, and some have theorized that it is a result of the Backrooms' ever-shifting nature.

## Entities

Level 7 is known for its unique entities that roam the dimly lit aisles of the arcade. These entities are believed to be remnants of lost souls who were drawn into the Backrooms through the portal from the arcade's golden era. They often manifest as spectral figures, resembling gamers engrossed in playing the arcade games of old. These entities may be harmless or, in some cases, hostile, and encountering them can be a disconcerting experience.

## Hazards

* Endless Aisles: One of the most perilous aspects of Level 7 is the potential for explorers to become disoriented and lost in the seemingly infinite rows of arcade cabinets. Panic and fear can set in as one wanders the dimly lit pathways with no clear sense of direction.
* Entity Encounters: As mentioned earlier, the entities in Level 7 can be unpredictable, and some may attempt to interact with or harm explorers. It is essential to exercise caution and be prepared for unexpected encounters.
* Existential Dread: The eerie ambiance and endless rows of arcade cabinets can lead to a sense of existential dread and isolation. Many explorers report feeling as though they are trapped in a never-ending game, which can take a significant toll on their mental state.

## Notable Locations

* The Neon Nexus: In the deepest part of Level 7, some explorers have reported coming across a central hub of arcade cabinets illuminated by flickering neon lights. This area seems to be the heart of the level and is a place where many entities congregate. It is both a point of interest and a point of potential danger.
* The Forgotten Prize Counter: A dilapidated prize counter, covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs, can be found in one corner of Level 7. Here, abandoned prizes and tokens from the past can be discovered, adding to the nostalgic but eerie atmosphere.

## Exploration Tips

1. Navigation: Mark your path and try to maintain a sense of direction to avoid becoming lost in the endless aisles of arcade cabinets.
2. Entity Interaction: Approach entities with caution. Some may offer guidance or even assistance, while others could pose a threat.
3. Supplies: Carry essential supplies such as food, water, and a flashlight with extra batteries to ensure you can survive in the dimly lit environment.
4. Emotional Resilience: Be prepared for the existential dread and eerie atmosphere of Level 7. Mental fortitude is crucial for surviving the psychological challenges.

## In Popular Culture

Level 7: The Forgotten Arcade has become a subject of fascination in the Backrooms community, inspiring various works of fiction, art, and online discussions. Its eerie ambiance and connection to Level 2 have contributed to its reputation as one of the more enigmatic levels in the Backrooms.