The Backrooms.

Backstage Explorers are individuals and groups who have either deliberately or accidentally found themselves in the Backstage and have begun to explore its levels, entities, and rules of survival.

They are not a single organization. Rather, they are a multitude of disparate communities that sometimes collaborate and sometimes operate independently.

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Main groups

The MEG (Major Explorer Group)

The most famous research organization.

Engaged in:

level mapping;

collecting information about entities;

searching for safe routes;

rescuing survivors.

Their bases are often located on relatively stable levels where camps can be established and resources can be exchanged.

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The BNTG (The Backrooms Trading Group)

A group focused on trade and exchange.

They:

supply food, water and Almond Milk;

organize markets between levels;

exchange rare items and information.

For them, the Backstage is more of a network of opportunities than just danger.

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The Lost

Independent wanderers.

These are individuals or small groups who:

avoid large organizations;

move between levels independently;

rely only on their own knowledge and intuition.

Many of them disappear without a trace, but some become sources of valuable information.

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Research methods

Researchers use:

marks on walls and maps;

coordinate schemes of levels;

entity testing;

checking transitions between levels;

observing changes in the environment.

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Risks

Research activities are extremely dangerous:

levels may change without notice;

entities often react to groups of people;

information quickly becomes outdated;

Many routes cannot be repeated twice.

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Target

Despite the differences, most researchers pursue similar goals:

find stable safe levels;

study the structure of the Backstage;

find a stable output;

survive and help other survivors.

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The behind the scenes remains unexplored, so each researcher

The End level looks like a vast, abandoned library that stretches into infinity. Long rows of bookshelves recede into darkness, and the space seems to repeat itself, creating the feeling that you're standing in the same room no matter how far you walk.

The lighting is dim and cold. There are almost no lamps—only occasional spotlights that barely illuminate the aisles between the shelves. Because of this, deep shadows constantly fall between the aisles, making it seem as if something might be lurking just around the next corner.

The silence here is almost absolute. Occasionally, you can hear the faint creaking of wood, the turning of pages, or a distant hum, like a ventilation system, but the source of these sounds can never be found.

On the walls and in some areas you can see old computers, terminals and signs with the inscription:

“THE END”

They typically look like the interface for logging out or entering the final level of a game. In some cases, terminals display "successful completion" messages, but attempts to interact with them don't always yield results.

There are no entities at this level.

The End's defining characteristic is its sense of finality. Many travelers describe it as "too final," as if the system has already decided there's no need to go any further. Some feel the urge to simply remain among the shelves and move on.

Despite its name, this level isn't the true end of Backstage. Those who tried to "finish it all here" often claim to end up on another level later, as if The End were merely an illusion of a finale.

Level 94: Village

Level 94 features an endless countryside, reminiscent of an old village frozen in a state of eternal sunset.

Wooden houses line narrow dirt roads. Most look well-kept, as if someone still lives inside, though almost all the windows are dark and empty. Occasionally, dogs bark in the distance, doors creak, or bells ring, but the source of these sounds is rarely located.

The sky at this level is almost always tinted in orange-purple hues, as if the sun never fully sets or rises. The light is soft and warm, but creates a strange sense of unreality.

The level's main feature is the sense of "living presence." Warm cups might still be on tables, footprints might be on the ground outside, and lights might occasionally turn on in houses for no apparent reason. However, the residents themselves almost never meet in person.

Level 94 is considered relatively stable. Food, water, and shelter can be found here, so some wanderers use it as a resting place between more dangerous levels.

However, as "night" approaches, the atmosphere changes. The village becomes quieter, the shadows lengthen, and silhouettes occasionally appear in the windows, quickly disappearing if looked at directly.

Some survivors claim that unknown entities mimicking humans can be seen walking the streets at night. They appear almost normal, but behave too regularly, as if repeating memorized movements.

Because of this, Level 94 feels simultaneously safe and unsettling. It's a place where everything seems familiar, but nothing is entirely certain.

At first glance, the Fun :) level looks like a party venue. Bright yellow walls, colorful balloons, confetti, garlands, and long tables laden with treats create the impression of a never-ending party.

In the hallways and rooms, you can encounter friendly-looking creatures, commonly referred to as Partygoers. They're constantly smiling, wear party hats, and love to invite new guests to join in the fun.

At first encounter, Partygoers appear harmless. They wave, offer food, congratulate you on the holiday, and try to persuade you to stay. However, most travelers consider them extremely dangerous creatures.

Music is almost always playing throughout the level. Sometimes it sounds quiet and distant, and sometimes it literally emanates from the walls. Many people note that the longer you stay here, the harder it is to resist the urge to stay at the party.

Everywhere you can see the following inscriptions:

"FUN =)"

"STAY AND HAVE FUN =)"

"EVERYONE IS HAPPY HERE =)"

It is believed that the main danger of the level is not a chase or an attack, but that a person gradually loses the desire to leave this place.

Despite its flashy appearance, most experienced wanderers try to avoid the Fun :) level at all costs. There's a simple rule among survivors:

If someone is too persistent in offering you to have fun in the Backstage, it is better to leave as quickly as possible.

Many stories about people who ended up here end the same way: one day they go to a party, and no one ever sees them again. =)

Level 37: Poolrooms

Level 37, better known as Poolrooms, is a massive complex of infinity pools and sunken rooms.

The entire space is filled with clear, warm, blue water. The walls are lined with light tiles, and soft lighting seems to emanate from everywhere. There's no sun, windows, or lamps on this level, but it's almost never dark.

The pools vary in size and depth. Some are small rooms with knee-deep water, while others plunge several meters. The rooms are connected by corridors, arches, passages, and stairs, creating a veritable aquatic labyrinth.

The Poolrooms' main feature is absolute silence. Typically, the only sounds you can hear are the splashing water and your own footsteps. Because of this, many consider this level one of the most tranquil spots in Backstage.

Entities are rarely encountered on this level, but travelers sometimes report strange underwater silhouettes or movement in distant rooms. There is no confirmation of these observations.

The water here is safe to drink and is often used by travelers as a source of fresh water. Because of this, Level 37 is considered relatively safe.

Despite the tranquil atmosphere, the level can be disorienting. Every room is identical, and the infinity pools create the feeling of walking in circles.

Many survivors describe Poolrooms as a place that evokes both comfort and uneasiness. It feels like you've been here before, but can't quite remember when. Because of this, the level is often called one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in all of Backstage.

Backstage Rules

1. If you feel like you're being watched, you probably are.

2. If a level looks too safe, it means you haven't noticed the danger yet.

3. There are no completely safe levels.

4. There are no completely empty levels.

5. If you meet a person, make sure that it is a person.

6. If the entity has noticed you, the hunt has already begun.

7. There is always more behind the scenes than it seems.

8. Not all doors are doors.

9. Not all windows are windows.

10. Some levels know that you are inside them.

11. The backstage changes when no one is looking.

12. Maps are never completely accurate.

13. The more the level resembles reality, the more dangerous the hidden anomalies can be.

14. Silence is more dangerous than noise.

15. If you hear a familiar voice where no one should be, don’t follow it.

16. Most entities do not kill immediately.

17. Some exits are traps.

18. Some levels cannot be left in the normal way.

19. Behind the scenes, people don't care.

20. But there are exceptions. Children, pregnant women, and people celebrating a birthday sometimes end up in safer levels. Rumor has it that birthday celebrants are sometimes transported to the party level, where they are greeted by friendly beings, who decorate the hall with balloons and throw a party. What happens after the party is over is unknown.

21. Just because a rule seems stupid doesn't mean it's wrong. Behind the Scenes, logic doesn't always work.

Level !!!

Level !!! is a long emergency corridor, approximately 2 kilometers long. Red walls, flashing lights, pipes along the ceiling, and the incessant wail of sirens create the impression that the entire building is in emergency evacuation mode.

Immediately after entering the level, a person has only a few seconds to start running.

A moment later, entities begin to emerge from the darkness behind them. Their numbers steadily increase. Among them may be Hounds, Smiling Ones, and other denizens of the Backstage. Sometimes all you can hear is the clatter of dozens of feet, growls, and screams, while other times you can see a whole horde of monsters rushing after you.

The only way to survive is to keep moving forward.

Throughout the journey, there are various obstacles:

boxes and heaps;

pipes that you have to climb over;

narrow passages;

collapsed sections of the floor;

sharp turns.

Any fall or delay could result in the pursuers catching up with the fugitive.

The closer we get to the end of the route, the faster the entities become. The sirens begin to wail louder, the lights flicker more frequently, and the corridor seems to try to impede our progress.

After traveling about two kilometers, a heavy metal door appears ahead with a bright green EXIT sign above it. This is usually the only green object in the entire level, making it impossible to miss.

Once a person reaches the door and passes through it, they leave Level !!! and enter another level of Backstage.

Most survivors remember this place the same way: an endless red corridor, the sound of sirens, their own heavy breathing, and the feeling that something is rushing right behind them that they cannot allow to come even a step closer.

Level 188

Level 188 is a vast, modern hotel stretching into infinity. White walls, glass railings, soft lighting, and hundreds of identical doors create the impression of an expensive inn. At first glance, the place seems safe, but the longer you stay, the more awry you feel.

The level's main feature is its gigantic internal atrium. All floors are arranged one above the other and connected by bridges, balconies, and walkways. Looking down through the glass enclosure, you can see endless rows of floors disappearing into darkness. Looking up, the scene is exactly the same. The end of the building either doesn't exist, or no one has ever found it.

The level is almost always quiet. Occasionally, you can hear the hum of ventilation, the ringing of a distant elevator, or footsteps behind a wall. But finding the source of these sounds is almost impossible.

Most doors lead to identical hotel rooms. Inside, you'll find beds, closets, bathrooms, water, food, and sometimes Almond Milk. Because of this, many survivors use Level 188 as a temporary shelter.

However, the level is not empty.

Smiling Ones sometimes appear in dark corridors, on distant balconies, and near stairwells. Typically, a person first notices two glowing dots in the darkness, followed by a wide white smile. Their bodies are almost impossible to discern, appearing as black silhouettes, blending into the surrounding darkness.

Most often, they simply observe. You might spot a smiling face on the opposite balcony or at the end of the hallway. But if you stare at it for a long time or get closer, the silhouette may suddenly disappear. Some claim to then hear footsteps behind them.

The sheer number of identical floors and endless bridges makes it easy to lose your sense of direction. Many travelers have reported seeing silhouettes of people on neighboring balconies, seemingly watching them. When they approached, they discovered they were empty.

The main danger of Level 188 is not in essence

Level 0

Level 0, also known as the "Lobby," is considered the entry point to Backstage. It's an endless labyrinth of monotonous rooms and corridors with faded yellow wallpaper, damp yellow carpet, and a ceiling hung with fluorescent lights. The air here is heavy and musty, permeated with the smell of damp, mold, and old carpeting.

The most noticeable feature of the level, besides its infinity, is the constant hum of the lamps. The monotonous electrical noise never ceases, and over time, it begins to weigh heavily on the psyche. Many lose track of time, begin to feel anxious, and begin to feel as if someone is watching them.

The level's space is unstable. Corridors may lead to the wrong places, rooms may repeat, and attempts to create a map almost always end in failure. People who arrive here together often find themselves separated within seconds.

Despite its apparent emptiness, Level 0 is not safe.

One of the most dangerous entities is considered to be the Bacteria. It is a huge, deformed creature made of overgrown organic matter with long limbs and unnatural movements. It usually hides in the far reaches of the labyrinth, but is capable of quickly covering great distances if it detects prey.

The Screamer also appears in this level. While it doesn't always attack, it poses a deadly threat due to its scream. Its hoarse wail is so loud that it can deafen a person, causing severe pain, temporary loss of vision, disorientation, and panic. It's believed that this scream attracts the Bacteria, making its victims easy prey.

Almond Milk is sometimes found among the rare resources of this level. This liquid helps maintain clarity of mind, reduces panic, and allows one to resist the psychological effects of the Backstage for longer.

The main danger of Level 0 lies not only in the entities, but in its infinity. The yellow walls, wet carpet, and perpetual hum of the lamps gradually destroy the mind.