Level 201 is one of the most well-known levels of the Backrooms, categorized by wanderers as a point of transition into deeper sections of the Backrooms.
Description[]
Level 201, commonly adressed as “House Nostalgia” or simply “The Household,” is a never ending complex of hallways, rooms, and other spaces, all interconnected in various ways. These methods mostly include doors, staircases and squarish, claustrophobic tunnels in certain occasions. Elevators can also be found, serving as an additional form of connection between rooms in distinct floors. Level 201 follows a vintage style similar to the one commonly seen in suburban houses from the early 1970s, holding carpet as its main component of the floor, as well as a color pallete in the walls assembled mostly of warm browns and tans, all which fit that specific decade. Nonetheless, most walls are in the process of yellowing, mostly likely caused by the passing of time.
Certain variations of rooms do exist, deriving from the usual old living space. These instead take the shape of small spaces decorated with tiled flooring. A window is usually present in these kinds of rooms, revealing other sections of the level behind them, which are usually devoid of any entrance into them. Most of the times, rooms follow an aspect commonly found in kitchens and laundry rooms, holding a wide array of furniture and appliances that can be seen on these types of rooms. Fridges stand out amongst the rest of appliances, as they hold diverse numbers of consumable items.
While most of the times these objects consist of those native to the Backrooms (Almond Water for example), certain other ones are exact copies of well-known foodstuffs from Baseline Reality, all presumably dating back to the late 20th century due to their vintage apparel. All boxes and containers hold their respective foods inside them, although upon opening, these are prone to a quick spoilage. This is due to the enviroment of Level 201, which is fit for bacterial growth. In fact, further research on the level has proven the presence of microscopic pathogens similar to mesophiles lingering in the air. Inhalation of this bacterium has been tested to be safe, even if prolongued exposure can lead to small headaches and slight diarrhoea. These pathogens are still prone to grow and thrive of exposured food, hence the speedy spoilage process.
Stairs are frequently encountered throughout the entirety of Level 201, which are usually accompained by a polished, wooden handrail. All of these lead into higher or lower floors, all which hold numerous differences. These usually include the functionality of the lights, where in certain areas the lights are entirely broken, as well as the architecture and design of a floor, where certain ones seem to hold large quantities of randomly segmented walls, creating a space similar to level 0. Lower floors take an entirely different composition, taking the shape of squarish, claustrophobic tunnels where wanderers are forced to crawl in order to advance. These tunnel-like floors are filled with dead ends and holes leading deeper into them, creating an uncomfortable experience for anyone that traverses them.
Sounds can be heard throughout the entirety of Level 201, with the most prevalent being door knocks and creaking wood. All of these sounds are heard in a much lower pitch, estimated to be around 25 decibels instead of its usual 50-60 decibels. All sounds emmanate from behind the walls, their true origin still being unknown, since the walls are made of some sort of drywall variant that remains indestructible as of current times.
As one travels deeper into the level, various changes can be noticed. The walls and the floors will look better preserved, and more rooms will be found on each floor. Every room on each floor will feel more expansive as higher ceilings become more common. TV appliances will also be found in excessive amounts. Some models will be sleek and seamlessly mounted, while others will be older, bulkier units. These TVs are anomalously turned on and display a static screen. They emit a low, static hum, which may cause some wanderers to be slightly paranoid. Strangely enough, the American EAS can be heard through these TVs for twenty minutes every three hours before stopping abruptly. Other sounds, such as a faint whispering and a soft jazz song, can also be heard in the television´s static.
Wanderers who have traveled throughout Level 201 have reported commonly experiencing a state of hyperfocus, making them more aware of their surroundings. As of current times, it is widely unknown how one enters such a state seemingly out of nowhere, although there are various theories as to what causes this. The most prevalent of all is that the food commonly encountered throughout the level holds several anomalous compounds that may mimic dopamine in some sort. This state of energy and awareness is experienced at random intervals of time, lasting only a few minutes. Nevertheless, it always comes back abruptly, even upon having exited the level, therefore making this phenomenon permanent on wanderers. Whilst no major damage is done to a wanderer, these adrenaline rushes may lead to mild symptoms of tiredness, as well as soreness in the muscles.
Level 201 is home to fungi and mold, which reside in areas covered by puddles of some fluid. Unlike fungi growing in carpets within the Frontrooms, studies conducted by the M.E.G have concluded that the vast majority of mushrooms found throughout the level is safe to consume upon cooking. Additionally, all documented specimens can not be classified as a Backshroom, as these are exact copies of certain consumable fungi from Earth.
My numerous expeditions have finally led me to another expanse of familiar surroundings. The beige, creamy walls attracted my sight primarly, followed by the blinding lights. No other thought came into my mind except one single word. Forgotten. Unlike countless other liminal havens that I have traversed, this one stands to me as one that can only be described as having been lost to time. Its surroundings echoe stories past told, of families long gone. Now, the level remains still, waiting for another wanderer to step into its nostalgic expanse.
I find it funny how, long ago, I had a great desire to go back into the past, as to experience some of my most treasured memories for one last time. This level has distorted that wish, granting me an empty space where my childhood belongs. Now that my desire flashes before my eyes, I can´t help but regret it. Sure, the place where my most cherished moments happened in the past is here, but there is no one to live them with. None of the friends that I used to play vintage games with, nor my dog that always followed me everywhere. Everyone has moved on to other things, and now I am faced with wandering these halls alone, whilst a pang of homesickness saddens me deeply.
Entities[]
As of current times, no entities have been seen lurking in Level 201, therefore making the aforementioned mold and fungi the only living organisms that reside within the level.
Colonies and Outposts[]
The level holds an isolation property that prevents wanderers from meeting anyone; therefore, creating an outpost is impossible.
Entrances[]
- Entering a rare triangle hole in any level of the Backrooms will take you here.
- A door labeled “Home” in Level 40 leads here.
- Taking an elevator in Level 810 brings you here.
- Stairwells in the apartments of Level 95 can bring one here abruptly.
- Sleeping on a bed in Level 955 leads here.
Exits[]
- Flicking a light switch on and off usually takes wanderers to Level 193.
- Sleeping in any room can lead you to Level 156.
- Entering an air vent in one of the basements usually leads to either level 21 or level 130.
- Certain sections might randomly shift into Level 58.
- Numerous basements with chairs hold staircases that lead into Level 179.
- Finding an apparent front door leads to Level 955.
- Based on reports, certain hallways can lead into Level 193.
- No-clipping in the adaptive rooms can take one to Level 172.
This place feels familiar.