


Level 85 is the 86th level of the Backrooms.

fig 1.0
The first known image of Level 85 taken during its initial discovery.
Description
Level 85 is an endless, outdoor expanse of varying appearances unique to each of its entrants. The structures on the level are constructed in a Western architectural design originating from the 1960s, indicated by the evident American culture that predominantly influences the environment; these main aspects of the level remain untouched and consistent throughout, proven by the expeditions conducted in order to reach further areas of the level. As per the architecture, all instances of entries to Level 85 share the presence of a persistent anomaly that has been noticed, wherein every time a wanderer enters the level, the date should be calibrated at precisely Saturday, October 27th, 1962.[1]
In addition to the gratifying architecture of the structures, buildings are also heavily decorated in a manner that suggests human life may have once resided. The small, intricate details in locations such as restaurants and shops, which are filled with a variety of goods and other commodities, contribute to the overall lively atmosphere due to the level's meticulous attention to even the tiniest details. Written texts are likewise inscribed organically, and the layout of Level 85 is free of any strangely placed structures and other objects, apart from nuclear sirens scattered around the level.
As previously stated, time in Level 85 seems to be completely halted, as devices such as watches and clocks seem to paradoxically pause regardless of their previous functionality. This signifies that time itself within the level has wholly collapsed, and as a consequence of the collapse, the level's environment is entirely vacant and appears to be outdated. Conversely, the level is devoid of any natural deterioration or breakdown of buildings and objects alike, including any indications of any living creatures ever being present in Level 85 due to the phenomenon.

fig 2.0
Another image of Level 85.
Despite its timeline, Level 85 possesses modern technology in the form of electronic devices such as mobile phones, computers, and smart televisions. However, these machines are depleted of their internal components, sometimes also exhibiting signs of disrepair as evidenced by missing chunks and general instability of the technology. The observation that these devices cease to function correctly and all electronic machinery is depleted of its intrinsic components suggests that time and technology within Level 85 are governed by solely its timeline, owing to its historical placement where such technologies had yet to emerge. This poses a hazard to any unsuspecting travelers with their sharp, weighty fragments. In stark contrast, technology created or in existence prior to 1962 is immune to this peculiar phenomenon. Any artifacts or commodities brought into Level 85 from a different era will experience the same adverse effects described above. Technologically advanced items, such as electronics, will be reduced to fragmented shells lacking their crucial machinery, while non-technological items, such as accessories, will simply disintegrate into nothingness.
Furthermore, any photographs taken within/of Level 85 would mysteriously undergo an anomalous alteration process, regardless of the camera used to capture the said photograph. This effect has a corollary in the photograph's color; it incorporates a distinctive orange-tinted overlay on the image, a similar product to that of polaroids exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time. This overlay also conceals external elements that affect the physical appearance of the image, such as ink, dust, scratches, and so on. Furthermore, the effect would correct any flaws, such as motion blur, focusing and exposure issues, and resolution; hence, images taken of/in Level 85 are extremely detailed.

This section contains sensitive content not suitable for all audiences. Readers including you might consider these topic(s) disturbing, anxiety inducing, or inappropriate: a physical presentation of psychological torture in the form of audio, including mentions of suicide.
If the content mentioned above is suitable for you, click here to read the section.
Psychological Tormenting*
Level 85 is known for its array of haphazardly placed nuclear sirens that can be seen extending out of or enclosed by structures, situated in the middle of roads, and even penetrating objects such as cars and bins. It is believed that the concentration of sirens within the level represents the state of Level 85's timeline during the height of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, indicating a potential nuclear attack or an external force strike in contrast to the withdrawal of nuclear weapons, which took place in the Frontrooms instead.
An audio simulation of the sirens within Level 85 blasting the psychologically tormenting emergency alarm. The volume of the audio is significantly scaled down.
Once the countdown which typically lasts between 12-48 hours reaches its end, the sirens will blast a deafening, earsplitting emergency alert system alarm. This occurrence would primarily signify a death sentence for wanderers within the level, as it is intended to psychologically torment the person with a countdown in an unfamiliar language, exacerbating the fear of an impending disaster. A robotic voice announcing the event only adds to the unease of a person's perception of an impending atomic bomb.
The alarm's volume seems to increase in amplitude which may cause a complete breakdown of Level 85's reality. As a result, there is only a minute, if any, pause in the blaring of these sirens; all victims almost always die as a result of an indirect circumstance caused by the blasting of the alarm, either by suicide, rupture of the ear canal, or simply the sheer loudness of the sound that results in internal bleeding within the lung or other organs.
Variations of Level 85's Environment
Town Square

fig 3.0
An image of a supermarket located in the Town Square.
The Town Square serves as the standardized representation of the level, as it is the most frequently encountered of its five variations of Level 85's environments. Due to the area being largely dominated by malls, markets, and other retail establishments, the Town Square boasts an abundance of resources such as provisions, garb, and armaments. Additionally, various landmarks, many of which stem from the Frontrooms, of diverse magnitudes and geometries can be found within the Town Square, often serving as signposts for articles of significance, particularly exits, as they tend to be situated amidst their contiguous surroundings.
The design of the Town Square is somewhat more labyrinthine compared to the conventional appearance of Level 85, which normalizes a human-like facade, albeit not to the extent of being bizarre. It comprises of repeating, grid-like thoroughfares that are virtually indistinguishable from cities within the Frontrooms; however, the trajectory within the level causes the repetition of the environment to be imperceptible, owing to the configuration of the edifices.
Suburbia

fig 4.0
An image of a region within the Suburbia .
The Suburbia is characterized by its stylization as a prototypical American middle-class neighborhood. The setting is situated within a sprawling desert, resembling the arid lands of the southwestern United States, with average summer temperatures reaching 100ยฐF. The predominant structures in the environment are consisted of residential buildings, such as homes, motels, and small hotels, along with scattered community swimming pools, all contributing to the illusion of protection from potential threats. This illusion often tempts individuals into indulging in the comfort of these structures and becoming preoccupied with their pleasure.
The architecture of these buildings is logically sound and strategically positioned, with an abundance of provisions and typical household appliances. Eateries in this area primarily offer frozen meals, canned food, and other processed food options, as opposed to the fresh, culinary offerings available at restaurants in the Town Square. Despite the lack of fresh food options, supplies in this area are abundant and well-stocked within the houses. However, it is worth noting that due to the peculiar nature of this environment, the shelf-life of these supplies is limited given the humid temperatures present in the Suburbia.
Downtown

fig 5.0
An image of the Downtown area.
The Downtown region in Level 85, simply referred to as "Downtown," encompasses a medley of urban districts with a plethora of industrial factories, diverse living quarters including hotels and apartments, various offices, headquarters, warehouses, and skyscrapers. The architectural diversity within this area is a testament to the eclectic blend of styles, ranging from the ornate Victorian to the prevalent 60s style, and not limited to a single homogeneous style. Its districts are also well-connected along each other within the area, with a robust public transportation network that facilitates easy access.
Its expansive, industrial qualities enable the scarcity of edible food in the Downtown region; they are predominantly located on the windshields of the cars abundant in the area, although as previously mentioned, consuming these provisions poses a significant risk, as they have been exposed to the harsh conditions of the region, including prolonged exposure to sunlight, making it perilous to consume. This presents a daunting challenge for those seeking sustenance in the densely populated and industrialized Downtown region.
Zone of Amusement

fig 6.0
An image of a Disneyland in the Zone of Amusement.
The environment known as the Amusement or the Zone of Amusement is comprised of exterior recreational establishments such as theme parks, drive-in movie theaters, athletic arenas, and racetracks. Designed solely for entertainment purposes, the Zone of Amusement has limited access to basic necessities beyond food and beverages; however, caution should be exercised when consuming food in the area, as it may contain a unique form of sugar that could elicit undesirable effects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fevers. The aesthetic appeal of the surroundings, with its vintage architectural designs and bright, vivid colors, makes the Zone of Amusement a sought-after location for those seeking a nostalgic, leisurely experience.[2]
This environment is the sole location where entry points to other environments can be found. This access will presumably restart the countdown of the activation of the myriad of nuclear sirens placed throughout Level 85, implying that the level recognizes this as the wanderer's first entry, leading to the aforementioned outcome.
Seashore

fig 7.0
One of the only 2 surviving images of the Seashore.
The Seashore is a unique and scarcely-seen habitat that was only recently found decades after Level 85's initial discovery. This environment features a long, uninterrupted stretch of beach that is segmented by various areas resembling the Zone of Amusement, and even occasionally containing entrances to the said environment. There may be numerous markets beyond the shore itself, but they can only be accessed through the mentioned segments due to the steep altitude difference that divides the shore from the upper part of the environment.
Supplies within the Seashore are heavily scarce and difficult to discover, with the only visible stocks of food present within the markets, which are only rarely visited due to the difficult nature of entering their area. It is advised to simply exit the Zone of Amusement if it is possible, assuming one is attempting to find food.Additional Information
Gallery
Written Recordings of Level 85
1.0
As I walked through the deserted streets of a 60s suburban neighborhood, I was taken aback where time seemed to have stood still. The houses remained tall and grand, their pastel exteriors unscathed by time's toll and shining bright in the sun's reflection. Their manicured lawns still lush and verdant, and the mower situated idly beside the summer-themed chairs. And the windows of the houses were dark and foreboding, with their panes of glass reflecting the overcast sky. The array of concrete streets was barren, devoid of the bustling energy that was possibly once permeated the atmosphere within. But the stillness was not oppressiveโeerily palpable, evenโrather it was a peaceful hush that seemed to envelop the entire neighborhoodโa haunting, allure of preserved architecture. It evokes a sensation of interest in me, which I must continue my journey to explore; its beauty and stillness of the surroundings drawing me in, perhaps to greed for history hidden within.

A bliss hidden from the eyes of residence, The buildings stand tall, their windows still bright, There's mystery in the air, a hidden clue, But still I wander, to this place, Alas, it remains hidden, from the world outside, |
---|

A bliss hidden from the eyes of residence, The buildings stand tall, their windows still bright, There's mystery in the air, a hidden clue, But still I wander, to this place, Alas, it remains hidden, from the world outside, |
---|
I subsequently reached the center of the community, coming upon a quaint park. Its rusted, metal swings and slides still sway gracefully in the wind; the noise of the swinging chains hardly creaks noisily, as per the leaves dwindling in a spiral and rustling softly. The stillness of the park was broken only by the distant sound of a bird, or at least an imitation of it, chirping to the deathly silence that surrounded me. I took a seat on a bench, surveying my surroundings, feeling a sense of unease at the eerie beauty of it all. The world may have ceased to be animate, but it was still so perfectly well-kept; its houses, the park, and even the cars all seemed to be waiting for their owners to return, but they never would, as though the former residents' memories and spirits are woven into this place's very fabric.
These expanses of antiquityโthe incognizance of the lifestyles of the people within resonates, etched upon the sands of timeโplaces echoing the past. As though they are the closest thing to time travel, or perhaps, a form of it themselves. Exploring these places is akin to leafing through a photo album of a beloved grandfather; their memories are pictured through motionless surfaces, but it is enough to experience their lives solely from an amateurishly captured photograph. I envisioned the cascading specters of families playing in the park, kids riding their bikes on the streets, and neighbors gathering for barbecues in each other's backyards. The once lively and bustling community was now frozen in time, but its memories lingered on; their spirits cascaded away to the abyss of nirvana, while their boot steps, the architectural patterns and the novelties within, endures the imprisonment of time.
But, alas, till the end of time, the cosmetic euphoria and solitude shall continue to permeate. It remains as eternity's canvas, painted with brushstrokes of time, capturing moments that unfold like a symphony, unchanging, timeless, and forever remembered in stillness. Everythingโmother nature, the caretaker of creatures; gargantuan rocks, the place where all hides; dark enigmas, vortexes of darkness; and even reality itselfโbesides it would ultimately dissipate in the hands of time. While the suburbians perpetuate, despite all their finite qualities, and echoing into the infinite darkness with its subtle winds.
1.1
Waltzing through its thoroughfares, I continue mesmerized by its saturated hues landscape. Every inch of this intricately detailed environment astounds me, from the scattered belongings within homes to toys that still litter parks, hinting at the sudden disappearance of their owners. It is an architectonic marvel for the absence of any human intervention responsible for its creation; these structures perfectly imitate human design and architectural style, standing tall as a testament to human ingenuity. The allure of this place only increases with each step I take, and I find myself constantly in awe of its beauty and mystery.
This thought ponders whether my destiny will be altered or remain unchanged as its stillness, despite the bustling appearance, begins to unveil the underlying unsettlement it has always harboredโI reckon it is showing its true colors. Feeling a sense of unease growing within me, I considered the possibility of my fate shifting from its predetermined path. I took notice of the sirens scattered across the backyards of homes, almost like a warning signal of some kind. The haunting wail of these sirens added to the already unsettling atmosphere and further fueled my thoughts about the potential deviation of my destiny. The piercing screech of the sirens echoed in my mind, serving as a constant reminder of the unknown dangers that may lurk.
Out of thin air, I could discern the voice of a soulless android counting from a hundred fading into the atmosphere. I knew, by then, that everything I've enthralled for days, explained in these words, and knew, was evanescing right before my ears. The shrill, ear-piercing wail of nuclear sirens is a sound that strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it. It is the sound of imminent danger, the signal that warns of an impending attack or catastrophic event.
Like a volcano, its once-dormant sirens erupted within seconds, showing signs of an incoming catastrophe. But instead of ash, their long, undulating tone induces a haunting atmosphere; their ashes swept across the deserted streets, filling the air with a sense of dread and hopelessness. It was a warning of what was to come, a harbinger of the impending disaster that was about to unleash its fury on the unsuspecting neighborhood. With no signs of any bolts of freedom, I witnessed the houses break apart in pieces in the distance, waiting for the same fate to approach me.
Then, I realizedโthere was never a bomb. The sheer quantity of energy that emerged from the loudness of the sirens broke apart the entirety of the neighborhood, and even reality itself. It was a cycle full of deception all alongโand I was one of the victims fooled by the trickery.
Entrances & Exits
Entrances
- Entering a region which possesses the familiar style of the 60s within levels in the first cluster may lead one to Level 85;
- Leaping through an advertisement board promoting a product originating from the 60s in Level 11 would transport one to another advertisement akin to the previous one within Level 85, though there is a risk of falling due to the portal-like nature of this endeavor of entry;
- Riding a 60s-themed ride in Level 35 will transfer one to Level 85 following the end of the trip;
- Noclipping anywhere within the interior of Level 84 would lead one to this level;
- In Level 123, it is possible to be randomly sent here;
- Entering a house with pristine, well-preserved qualities located in Level 222 has a chance of abruptly sending one to this level;
- A door which may be present in an American torpedo boat in Level 400 should lead one to a random structure in Level 85;
- Riding a rollercoaster with a low karma rating within Level 999 may promptly lead one to Level 85 amidst the ride.
Exits
It is extremely uncommon to exit Level 85, though exits may periodically emerge in some manner, which would transfer one to a variety of levels. However, there are 3 confirmed and consistent exits, which are listed below:
- Entering a large sinkhole that rarely appears will bring one to Level 8;
- Swimming far enough in the ocean of the Seashore would cause an occurrence of a transition to Level 87 that would lead to the level;
- An exclusively accessible trapdoor that materializes amidst the psychological tormenting event within the Seashore would rarely lead one to Level 100.
Footnotes
- โ The origin and nature of are still unknown, and various theories have been proposed to explain its occurrence. Most research and studies accept that the persistent anomaly is that it may be a rip in the fabric of time and space, causing it to become fixed on the aforementioned date.
- โ These qualities of the Zone of Amusement may prove to be fatal for a few due to its attention-grabbing nature, potentially distracting wanderers from the said imminent and deadly event.
- First Wallpaper Image, licensed under Vecteezy's free license: "stock vector abstract creative background style 70s 1970 abstract vector stock retro Free Vector" by iqballwew.
- Second Wallpaper Image, licensed under Freepik's free license: "Classic retro colors sunbust rays design" by starline.
- Third Wallpaper Image, licensed under Freepik's free license: "Old rays background in retro style" by starline.
- Fourth Wallpaper Image, licensed under Vecteezy's free license: "Bauhaus Free Vector background Free Vector" by matrixdesigner.
- Fifth Wallpaper Image, licensed under CC0/Public Domain: "Retro Vintage Sunburst Background" by Karen Arnold.
- Sixth Wallpaper Image, licensed under Vecteezy's free license: "sixties themed wallpaper design Free Vector" by Kirsty Pargeter.
- Budweiser Advertisement Image, licensed under CC BY 2.0, edited by the Author: "1960 Budweiser Beer Advertisement Life Magazine April 25 1960" by Sensei Alan.
- Coca-Cola Advertisement Image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "Vintage Coke Coca-Cola 1960's" by Dan H.
- Vespa Image, licensed under the Unsplash License, edited by the Author: "Vespa" by Clementina Toso.
- First Main Image, licensed under the Unsplash License, edited by the Author: "vintage pink sedan parked" by Edgar n Guerra.
- Second Main Image, licensed under CC0/Public Domain, edited by the Author: "Roadside Eating on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island 06/1973" by Arthur Tress.
- Town Square Image, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0, edited by the Author: "Meadowlane Shopping Center, 1960" by Roadsidepictures.
- Suburbia Image, licensed under CC0/Public Domain, edited by the Author: "Islander Swim & Recreation Center (Riverside, CA) 1960s Postcard" by Royal Pictures.
- Downtown Image, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "MIT - View from Senior House in East Campus (1955)" by Roger W.
- Amusement Image, licensed under CC BY 2.0, edited by the Author: "Disneyland parking lot, circa 1960" by Orange County Archives.
- Seashore Image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "Steel Pier and Beach, Atlantic City, 1968" by Rob Ketcherside.
- First Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY 2.0, edited by the Author: "Peter Minuit Plaza lower Manhattan" by IMLS Digital Collections & Content.
- Second Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0, edited by the Author: "Selfridges slide335" by OZinOH.
- Third Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "LAMTA Streetcar on Broadway" by Metro Library and Archive.
- Fourth Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0, edited by the Author: "Astoria, 1960's" by Roadsidepictures.
- Fifth Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "Rambler Classic 6, Near Cape Byron to the south distant From Pottsville beach??" by Ian Sutton.
- Sixth Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY 2.0, edited by the Author: "Photograph 0080 - Darwin's Smith Street 1962" by Ken Hodge.
- Seventh Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "LBMB buses lined up in yard 1963" by Metro Library and Archive.
- Eighth Gallery Image, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, edited by the Author: "Aruba streets 1960s" by Sofya Shchukina.
Canons | Winter's Butterfly |
---|---|
Levels | Megalophobia โ A Child's Abnormality โ White Torture โ Roads to Abyss โ Haphazard Remnants โ Saturation โ Terror Basins โ Innocent Ball Pit โ Day Zero โ Vitrum Madness โ The Last Snow โ The Unit โ Antiquated Perpetuity โ Indigence โ Niagara of Iron(ic) Fists: The Contra-Pulp Fiction Theme, Vol. I & Vol. II โ Ain't All Blood Red โ Pipe Dreams โ The Worm in the Fruit โ Vienesse Sunday โ Old Mister Staircase โ Thalassophobia โ Toko Kelontong
|
Entities | Mandela Disease โ The Death Locomotive โ Rainbows โ Count the Stars! โ The Thing on Level 7 |
Tales | The Temporal Yellow โ The Ladybug Heart of a Gรฉnocidaire |
Joke | Em Dash Island โ Meggies |