Description[]
Level 162 resembles a technology store filled with all types of electronic devices. Due to the large number of electric devices found in this level, Level 162 is referred to as "Electronics". Each aisle of Level 162 seem to stretch endlessly in all directions, with the number of displays appearing infinite. Wanderers can find almost any type of device in this level, ranging from the latest smartphones and laptops to outdated televisions and radios. Headphones, Batteries, and even Fans can be found in this level with price tags all over them. Several wires are scattered throughout the level, posing a significant tripping hazard, so wanderers are advised to be cautious when navigating Level 162. Phones and tablets are often displayed on counters or tables, allowing wanderers to pick them up and try them out. Laptops and desktop computers are set up on tables or along the walls, with screens turned on. Under some tables, boxes can be found. These boxes usually contain a pre-packaged device of the display, or tools and supplies such as batteries and chargers. Items like headphones, and keyboards are arranged on racks or smaller tables nearby. If a wanderer walks far enough, storage rooms can be found. These storage rooms can contain either more boxes full of supplies or just appear as a janitor's closet.
The temperature of Level 162 can drop to 20°C, or 68°F, due to the abundance of air-conditioners constantly being powered throughout the level. It is said that these air-conditioners operate at maximum power, which causes some wanderers to worry about whether the electricity in this level will eventually run out, especially considering the energy required to power all the devices in this level. No remote controls can be found to adjust the air-conditioners[1], making it impossible to raise the temperature. Although the cold temperature is not fatal, it may cause discomfort for some individuals. Fortunately, heaters can also be found scattered throughout the area, which wanderers can use to warm themselves up if needed.
This level is liked by many wanderers, especially by those who have lost their devices in other levels of The Backrooms. Level 162 provides safety and comfort, with the usage of devices, which is why many wanderers who managed to escape death, tend to come to this level to forget about all the troubles they had earlier. However, prolonged exposure to this level seems to get wanderers addicted to Level 162. Many wanderers seem to desire this level based on studies made with several wanderers due to the abundance of electronic devices available here. This is believed to be linked to the addiction of technology itself found in The Frontrooms. As a result, wanderers are advised to monitor their amount of time spent on using the devices, making sure no wanderer gets heavily addicted to the level.
Most devices in Level 162 are generally safe to use. Devices in Level 162 are commonly found without branding[2]. However, there is a slight chance that devices made by brands commonly found in The Frontrooms can be found here, such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, LG, Panasonic, and many others. Games can be found on computers, and browsers can still be used. However, using such devices found in this level for extended periods can still cause eye strain and disrupt sleep, just like their Frontrooms counterparts. TVs, computers, and laptops in this level also function as they do in The Frontrooms, which requires charging the devices once their batteries run out. These devices are not indestructible, since they closely resemble those found in The Frontrooms, cracking them or splashing water on them will cause them to stop working. Wanderers are able to take these devices out of Level 162 and into other levels, without the need to pay for them.
Anomalies Found In Level 162's devices[]
There are some anomalies that most, if not all devices in Level 162 exhibit which are not found in the real world. One property not found in The Frontrooms is that these devices prohibit the use of accounts created in The Frontrooms, meaning wanderers must create a new account in The Backrooms. Another anomalous property of the devices in Level 162 is that once a device is destroyed or taken out, it will automatically regenerate itself[3]. These properties do not affect the usage of these devices and is proven safe to use. Batteries in this level can be either stronger or weaker than those found in The Frontrooms. This generally does not affect wanderers and are usually considered safe. More anomalous properties have yet to be discovered.
If one uses the devices in Level 162 for too long without monitoring their usage, they may experience a phenomenon where a wanderer becomes mentally trapped inside Level 162. This causes an intense desire to never leave, focusing solely on their device. Physically, the wanderer may feel great yet disconnected from the real-world atmosphere. As a result, they might neglect basic needs such as food, water, medication, or even sleep. If someone tries to separate an affected wanderer from their device, the wanderer will become defensive and try to get rid of the person attempting to do so. If the device is actually taken away, the wanderer will erupt into intense rage, destroying anything in their path and severely injuring the one who stole their device. What makes this phenomenon worse is, serious consequences can occur if the device is taken away from the wanderer and they are sent to another level. If an affected wanderer is sent away to a level that already has entities, the wanderer will begin to succumb to The Wretched Cycle. Fortunately, if an affected wanderer stays in Level 162, or gets sent to a level with no entity hazards, they can be cured with Almond Water. Additionally, a device from Level 162 can be used in other levels without developing any mental effects linked to the phenomenon[4]. Devices from The Frontrooms brought into Level 162 will not have such effect on a wanderer when used.
However, there are some anomalous brands that can only be found in Level 162, and wanderers are strongly advised not to use or even interact with them. The effects of interacting with these knock-offs are unknown, and should be avoided at all costs. Notable examples include “BackroomTech,” “162E,” and “FunComputers”. These knock-off brands also display unusual properties, such as never running out of battery. For safety, it is best to avoid these unfamiliar brands entirely. It is also believed that the electricity in Level 162 is powered by Level 3, due to having similar properties of endless electricity. However this is yet to be proven.
The Flicker Incident In Level 162[]
During the events of The Flicker in Level 162, the entire level experienced a blackout, shutting down all electricity. The ability for devices to regenerate in Level 162 was also temporarily halted. With the electricity out during The Flicker, the AC's in the level stopped working causing the temperature of Level 162 to quickly rise above room temperature, causing many wanderers to sweat throughout the blackout. Attempting to switch on any device during this time would not work, as all devices would only display a black screen. As previously mentioned, broken devices would not regenerate until The Flicker ended. The absence of electricity during this event also made some exits unavailable[5]. Fortunately, this event was only temporary. Once electricity returned to the level, the devices began to function again, the temperature dropped back to its usual cold setting, and broken devices resumed their regeneration.
Addendum[]
Recovered Note
Page 73
I still don't know how or when, I was in that neon city. I went check the information of that level, and it was said to be a safe place. I wandered around, until I spotted a Glowfolk. Now I thought those guys were friendly to us humans, turns out I was wrong. I went over to check on the individual, until it saw me and panicked. I was confused at first, but immediately I was pursued by dozens of them. They appear to be the "police" of the neon city. Apparentely, something had happened between Glowfolks and humans in 161 that I was unaware of.
I backed up slowly, and tried negotiating with them. However, it appears as if they want to detain me. I pulled out my gun, and shot one of them. Big mistake, hundreds of Glowfolks started charging at me. I ran for my life, attempting to sway them off with any remaining ammo I had. I hid in alleyways and corners, which made some of them lose sight of me.
I realized that I could not remain in open areas any longer. I needed to find a building to take shelter in. After hours of running, I came across a particular building that stood out from the others. It had partial neon lighting and white-painted walls, albeit slightly different from the dark-purple theme that the regular walls had on this level. A damaged sign reading "Technology" hung loosely above a purple door with faint, flickering neon lights. Thinking little of it, I went inside.
The moment I stepped in, I was struck by a blast of cold air from the air-conditioners. I assumed this was simply another part of the neon city and turned to leave. To my shock, the door I had entered through was now locked. It appeared to be a one-way entrance. I looked around for a few seconds, there were no Glowfolk present, but there was an abnormal abundance of electronic devices. I had lost my phone in that subway system months ago so without thinking, I immediately walked towards a phone display. As it appears that this "new store" that I found, had no one visible in my sight, I stole a phone for myself along with a portable chager.
Exploring the area, I realized this place was filled with various types of electric devices. Each seemed to use minimal energy, at least. I discovered that this was an entirely different level, which had only been discovered months ago. I was reluctant to leave, and had this sense of wanting to stay here forever. When I switched on my phone, I noticed knock-off apps that resembled the ones I usually used. I opened up "Backoogle" which was essentially just the Backrooms version of "Google". Everything about it was similar to the original, excluding the app's name and icon.
It has been 5 hours with my new device as of writing this. I stood up and saw hundreds of other devices, ready to be used. Looks like my childhood dream has finally come true.
I never want to leave.
This is my new home.
This is home.
This note was found near Accessory Aisle #6. It appears to have been ripped off a journal or a notepad. The writer’s identity is still unknown. The writer is presumed to have been affected by Level 162's addiction and euphoria.
Communities, Bases and Outposts[]
Outpost 162
Outpost 162 consists of 47 members, most of which are from M.E.G. with several wanderers who were allowed into the outpost. Their goal is to help wanderers who are lost in this level, and attempts to cure wanderers from their addiction of Level 162
- Consists of 47 members
- Willing to trade
- Helps wanderers in Level 162
- Resides near a storage room
Entities[]
No entities have been found in Level 162.
Entrances and Exits[]
Entrances
Any method of entering Level 162 most likely involves electronic devices, though more entrances have yet to be discovered.
- Jumping through a box full of phones in Level 4 will cause one to appear in this level.
- Finding a tech store in Level 11 can lead one here.
- Finding a building labelled "Technology" and entering it in Level 161 will lead here.
- Watching a film using a modern device in Level 40 can lead one here.
- Failing to enter the Wi-Fi password found in Level 126 more than 10 times will bring one to Level 162.
- Toying with the internal components of broken computers found in any of the "Small Computer Rooms" in Level 464 will bring one here.
- Entering a door labelled "ICT Technology" in Level 223 will lead one here.
Exits
There are various methods for leaving Level 162. Some require you to search throughout the level's landscape, while others involve tampering with the devices in some way. More exits are yet to be found.
- Breaking a phone intentionally will lead one to Level 324.
- Stepping on a water hazard and being electrocuted, whether intentional or accidental, will cause one to faint. Once the wanderer wakes up, they will appear in either Level 102 or Level 205.
- Attempting to watch a movie on a TV will bring one to Level 156.
- One of the storage rooms in Level 162 has a door labelled, "Do Not Enter, Authorized Personnel Only". Entering this door leads to Level 3.
- Deleting System 32 on a computer will bring one to Level 111.
- Losing after playing a game in Level 162 will bring one to The Game.
Running a "FunComputers" device.
Footnotes
- ↑ Presumed to be powered endlessly.
- ↑ Most commonly found as base models. Not affiliated with any company.
- ↑ This applies to everything that runs on electricity.
- ↑ It is unknown why wanderers become mentally affected when using a device for too long in Level 162.
- ↑ Exits to Levels 102, 111, 156, 205, Level Fun and The Game will be unusable, leaving only available exits to dangerous levels.
Author: Solarzified