Level 0

The distinctive monotonous corridors that have become synonymous with The Backrooms phenomenon

Level 0, also known as the "Tutorial Level" or "The Lobby," is the most commonly encountered and well-documented layer of The Backrooms. It serves as the primary entry point for those who experience "noclipping" out of reality, featuring an endless maze of rooms and corridors characterized by yellowed wallpaper, buzzing fluorescent lights, and moistened carpet. This level gained widespread recognition following its prominent depiction in The Backrooms Trilogy, particularly during the opening sequences of NoCliped where protagonist Maria Diaz first enters the anomalous space.

Environment

The architecture of Level 0 consistently presents as a corporate office space that appears to have been abandoned in the late 1990s, though temporal analysis suggests the environment itself exists outside conventional time. The walls are uniformly covered in dated yellow wallpaper exhibiting various states of age and water damage. The pattern itself appears to shift subtly when not directly observed, a phenomenon documented extensively by Dr. Arnold Malkinson during his initial research phase with the M.E.G.

Fluorescent lighting fixtures span the ceiling in regular intervals, emitting a constant buzz that varies in pitch and intensity throughout the level. These lights never fully extinguish but occasionally flicker, creating momentary shadows that survivors report finding deeply unsettling. The carpet covering the floors maintains a consistently damp texture despite no visible source of moisture, and emits a distinctive musty odor that has been compared to wet cardboard or old paper.

A typical intersection in Level 0, demonstrating the repetitive nature of its architecture

Temperature and humidity remain remarkably stable throughout Level 0, maintaining approximately 72°F (22°C) with 60% relative humidity. This environmental consistency has led some researchers to theorize that the level may serve as some form of baseline or calibration space within the larger Backrooms structure, though this remains speculative.

Spatial Properties

The geometry of Level 0 presents as superficially Euclidean but exhibits subtle inconsistencies that become apparent during extended navigation attempts. Corridors that appear to form right angles often connect to spaces that should be physically impossible given the preceding layout. The Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) has documented numerous cases where attempting to map sections of the level results in contradictory spatial relationships, with rooms seemingly overlapping or existing in multiple locations simultaneously.

Despite these spatial anomalies, Level 0 maintains certain consistent features that allow for the establishment of temporary landmarks. The most reliable of these are the distinctive wall stains that form patterns survivors have learned to recognize and catalog. The Navigation Guild, a specialized division within the M.E.G., has developed a complex system for identifying and tracking these markers, though their positions have been known to shift over extended periods.

Inhabitants and Entities

While Level 0 is considered one of the safest layers of the Backrooms, it is not entirely devoid of danger. The level is known to host several types of entities, though they appear with less frequency than in deeper layers. The most commonly encountered are Smilers, whose luminescent grins can occasionally be glimpsed in darker corners and doorways, and Hounds, which typically avoid direct confrontation in this level but may stalk unwary travelers.

The relative safety of Level 0 has led to the establishment of several semi-permanent settlements by survivors, the largest of which is Haven Point, a community of approximately 200 individuals who have adapted to life in the monotonous corridors. These settlements serve as crucial waypoints for new arrivals and often function as training grounds for those learning to navigate the unique challenges of the Backrooms.

Research and Documentation

Level 0 has been the subject of extensive research efforts, primarily conducted by the M.E.G.'s scientific division. The level's accessibility and relative stability make it an ideal location for studying the fundamental properties of the Backrooms. Notable studies include Dr. Malkinson's work on spatial distortion patterns and the ongoing Wallpaper Analysis Project, which examines the subtle variations in the level's seemingly uniform wall coverings.

The level has also served as a primary testing ground for various survival techniques and technologies developed by the M.E.G. The organization maintains several research outposts throughout Level 0, though their exact locations are carefully guarded to prevent potential security breaches by hostile entities or rival groups.

Cultural Impact

Level 0's distinctive aesthetic has become deeply embedded in contemporary horror culture, particularly following its portrayal in The Backrooms Trilogy. The combination of familiar office architecture with subtle wrongness has inspired numerous works across various media, establishing what many critics have termed the "corporate liminal" subgenre of horror.

The level's yellow wallpaper has become particularly iconic, with samples and replicas being highly sought after by collectors and researchers alike. Some survivors have reported experiencing a phenomenon known as "Yellow Recall," where they become hypersensitive to similar shades of yellow in the real world after extended exposure to Level 0's environment.

Survival Guide

For those who find themselves in Level 0, the M.E.G. has established clear survival protocols. Primary recommendations include maintaining a supply of Almond Water to prevent mental deterioration, establishing regular rest periods to preserve orientation, and avoiding extended periods of isolation. The organization strongly advises against attempting to follow the sound of distant voices or music, as these are often associated with entity activity.

See Also

• The Backrooms
• Dr. Arnold Malkinson
• Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.)
• Navigation Guild
• Haven Point

References

1. M.E.G. Official Level Classification Guide (2023)
2. "Understanding Level 0: A Comprehensive Analysis" - Journal of Backrooms Research
3. The Backrooms Trilogy Official Companion Guide (2028)
4. Dr. Malkinson's Spatial Studies Collection (2024-2026)
5. Haven Point Community Records (2025-Present)