Level 1

The characteristic concrete and metal architecture of Level 1's maintenance tunnels

Level 1 is a sprawling industrial sublevel of The Backrooms characterized by its concrete architecture, exposed pipes, and dimly lit maintenance corridors. First documented by the Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) in early exploration efforts, Level 1 serves as a crucial transition point between the more familiar Level 0 and the deeper, more dangerous layers of the Backrooms. The level gained widespread recognition following its prominent feature in The Backrooms Trilogy, particularly during the harrowing maintenance tunnel sequence in NoCliped where Maria Diaz and Cindy Reynolds first encountered the dreaded Smilers.

Environment

The architecture of Level 1 represents a marked departure from the office-like atmosphere of Level 0, featuring industrial elements that create a more overtly threatening environment. The level consists primarily of monotonous concrete corridors interconnected by maintenance tunnels, service ducts, and occasional larger machinery spaces. The walls are typically unfinished concrete or metal panels, often showing signs of rust and water damage, while the floors alternate between bare concrete and metal gratings that produce distinctive echoing sounds when walked upon.

Lighting throughout Level 1 is notably less consistent than in Level 0, with many sections relying on sporadically functioning emergency lights that cast deep shadows. The sporadic illumination creates ideal conditions for entities like Smilers, making Level 1 significantly more dangerous than its predecessor. The ambient temperature typically ranges between 45-55°F (7-13°C), and the air carries a persistent metallic scent often described as similar to old pennies or copper wiring.

Structural Properties

Unlike the relatively predictable layout of Level 0, Level 1 exhibits more extreme examples of non-Euclidean geometry and spatial distortion. Corridors that appear to run parallel may intersect at impossible angles, and attempting to backtrack often leads to entirely new areas. Dr. Arnold Malkinson theorized that Level 1's spatial inconsistencies might be influenced by the emotional state of those traversing it, though this remains unproven.

Flooding is a common hazard in Level 1's lower sections, creating additional challenges for survivors

The level frequently experiences flooding in its lower sections, with water depths ranging from a few inches to several feet. This water, while not immediately harmful, has been known to conduct electricity from damaged wiring and occasionally serves as a breeding ground for various biological anomalies. The M.E.G. has established several elevated pathways and makeshift bridges throughout these areas, marked with luminescent paint visible to those carrying ultraviolet light sources.

Inhabitants and Entities

Level 1 hosts a diverse ecosystem of entities, with Partygoers and Smilers being among the most frequently encountered threats. The level's darker environments and complex layout make it particularly suitable for ambush predators, leading to the development of specific survival protocols by the M.E.G. The organization maintains several fortified outposts throughout the level, serving as safe havens for travelers and research stations for studying entity behavior.

The level has also given rise to a unique subculture of survivors known as Maintenance Dwellers, groups who have adapted specifically to Level 1's industrial environment. These individuals have developed extensive knowledge of the level's machinery and electrical systems, often trading their expertise to other survivors in exchange for supplies or information about other levels.

Strategic Importance

Level 1 serves as a crucial strategic location for the M.E.G., functioning as both a buffer zone between Level 0 and deeper layers of the Backrooms and a vital source of industrial materials and equipment. The level's machinery spaces have proven invaluable for maintaining the organization's infrastructure, providing components that can be salvaged and repurposed for various survival needs.

The Industrial Salvage Initiative, established in 2024, coordinates efforts to systematically harvest resources from Level 1 while minimizing exposure to its dangers. This program has been instrumental in supporting larger Backrooms settlements and research facilities, though it has also attracted the attention of less scrupulous groups interested in controlling these resources.

Cultural Impact

Level 1's distinct industrial horror aesthetic has made it a significant influence on both Backrooms documentation and popular media representations. Its appearance in The Backrooms Trilogy, particularly during the tense chase sequences in NoCliped and Wanderer, helped establish it as an iconic location within the franchise. The level's design has influenced numerous horror games and films, with its combination of industrial decay and supernatural danger becoming a frequently referenced template for similar works.

Survival Guide

The M.E.G. maintains detailed protocols for navigating Level 1, emphasizing the importance of proper lighting equipment and awareness of electrical hazards. Standard survival gear for the level includes waterproof boots, electrical insulation equipment, and multiple redundant light sources. The organization strongly recommends traveling in groups of at least three people, with one member dedicated to watching for entities while others navigate or perform necessary tasks.

Regular consumption of Almond Water remains essential in Level 1, as the level's oppressive atmosphere and frequent entity encounters can rapidly deteriorate mental stability. The M.E.G. has established several water purification stations throughout the level, processing the abundant flood water into safe drinking water, though these facilities require constant maintenance due to the level's hostile conditions.

See Also

• The Backrooms
• Smilers
• Industrial Salvage Initiative
• Maintenance Dwellers
• Level 0

References

1. M.E.G. Official Level Classification Guide (2023)
2. "Industrial Architecture in Liminal Spaces" - Journal of Backrooms Research
3. The Backrooms Trilogy Official Companion Guide (2028)
4. Maintenance Dweller Survival Manual, 3rd Edition
5. Dr. Malkinson's Field Notes on Spatial Distortion (2025)