Level 7

The endless concrete ocean stretches to the horizon, its dark waters concealing untold horrors beneath the surface

Level 7 is one of the most dangerous and mysterious levels of the Backrooms, consisting of an impossibly vast concrete room filled with a dark ocean of unknown depth. First documented by the Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) in 2019, Level 7 has become infamous both for its hostile aquatic entities and for housing the Challenger Deep Research Facility, one of the M.E.G.'s most important installations.

Environment

The level consists of a single massive room with concrete walls that extend beyond visual range in all directions. The room is filled with what appears to be saltwater, though chemical analysis has shown significant deviations from normal seawater composition, including trace amounts of Almond Water and various unknown compounds. The concrete walls and floor are covered in a thick, waterproof carpeting similar to that found in office buildings, which has proven remarkably resistant to water damage and decay.

The ocean within Level 7 exhibits distinct layers similar to Earth's oceans, including clearly defined Sunlight, Twilight, Midnight, and Abyssal zones. The source of illumination remains unknown, as no visible light sources exist within the level. Scientists at the Challenger Deep Facility have theorized that the light may be generated by the level itself, similar to the fluorescent lighting found in Level 0.

The Thing on Level 7

A rare photograph capturing the silhouette of the Thing on Level 7, taken by M.E.G. researchers before the loss of Submarine Team Delta

The most notorious entity inhabiting Level 7 is known simply as the Thing on Level 7, a massive aquatic creature that dwells in the deepest parts of the ocean. The entity has been responsible for numerous deaths and the destruction of several M.E.G. submarines, including the complete loss of Submarine Team Delta in 2023. While clear photographs of the creature remain elusive, survivor accounts describe it as combining features of deep-sea fish, cephalopods, and human anatomy in a way that defies natural biology.

The Thing appears to be territorial and highly aggressive, particularly when approached in its preferred hunting grounds in the Abyssal Zone. However, it rarely ventures above the Midnight Zone, making surface travel relatively safe. The entity has shown particular hostility toward mechanical devices, leading to the development of specialized bio-organic submersibles by the Challenger Deep Facility.

The Hive

Deep within Level 7, accessible only through a network of underwater caves, lies The Hive, a massive biological structure that serves as one of the most important research sites in the Backrooms. First discovered during the construction of the Challenger Deep Facility, The Hive appears to be a living organism that generates mysterious electrical pulses and contains entrances to numerous other levels.

The Hive's discovery led to Dr. Arnold Malkinson's controversial theories about the biological nature of the Backrooms, suggesting that the entire dimension might be a single living entity. These theories gained additional credibility following the events depicted in Wanderer (2024), during which The Hive exhibited unprecedented activity levels during a coordinated attack by various entities.

M.E.G. Operations

The M.E.G. maintains several facilities throughout Level 7, with the Challenger Deep Research Facility serving as the primary base of operations. Regular patrols using specialized submarines monitor entity activity and assist any wanderers who might find themselves in this dangerous environment. The level also serves as one of the primary source of Cashew Water outside of Level 178.1, which can be harvested from certain deep-sea vents near The Hive.

The M.E.G.'s presence in Level 7 was significantly expanded following the Edinburgh Incident in 2023, as research suggested a connection between the level's unique properties and the mass no-clipping event. This led to the construction of additional research outposts and the implementation of stricter security protocols around The Hive.

Access Points

Level 7 can be accessed through several consistent entry points, including:

• A maintenance door in Level 6 that opens into the upper reaches of the ocean

• Certain elevators in Level 5's Terror Hotel that fill with water before opening into Level 7

• The numerous portals within The Hive, though these are strictly controlled by the M.E.G.

Survival Guide

The M.E.G. strongly advises against entering Level 7 without proper equipment and authorization. However, for those who find themselves there, several survival strategies have proven effective. The surface layer of the ocean contains numerous floating debris that can serve as temporary shelter, and the M.E.G. maintains several emergency supply caches near known entry points.

The level's most significant danger comes from its depth and the entities that dwell within it. While the Thing on Level 7 is the most well-known threat, numerous other hostile entities inhabit the waters, including schools of Deathmoths that have somehow adapted to underwater life. The pressure at greater depths can also be lethal without proper protection, making specialized diving equipment essential for exploration.

See Also

• The Beast of Level 5
• Challenger Deep Research Facility
• The Hive
• Wanderer (2024)

References

1. M.E.G. Exploration Report 7-A: Initial Survey of the Endless Ocean
2. Challenger Deep Research Logs, 2019-2024
3. Dr. Malkinson's "Biological Theory of the Backrooms" (Classified Document)
4. Survivor Account: Submarine Team Delta's Final Transmission