The initial image of Level 3, showing a substation area.
Many cables following a long tunnel on Level 3.
Out of known levels of the Backrooms, Level 3 has one of the highest recorded rates of entity infestation. It has been noted that many wanderers who enter this level succumb to the environmental and biological hazards it presents. Many of the recovered documents, of which there are few, recommend wanderers to take extreme caution when entering this level.
Structure
Level 3 is made up of a vast network of underground tunnels carved out of natural stone, resembling an underground electrical station with occasional intersecting tunnels and chambers. These tunnels connect together in a maze-like manner, with cables running along the walls and ceiling, eventually connecting to small substations that presumably supply the level's power grid.
The tunnels are spacious, with more than 10m between walls, equally high ceilings, and wide walkways. The cabling lining the walls resembles standard high-voltage cables and runs along the walls and ceiling, occasionally splitting into smaller cables that span down and across the floor, creating a trip hazard for wanderers.
It is common to find seemingly never-ending tunnels that are segmented with multiple metal gates, which are often rusted and aged, making them easy to force open. Traversing down such corridors will eventually lead to substations. When near the substations, the tunnels grow narrower and far more claustrophobic, with wall-mounted lighting increasing in intensity to almost blinding levels.
Machinery can be heard running constantly. In some parts, it is almost faint and subtle, while in others, it grows loud and causes the surroundings to shake. It is even possible for these vibrations to make the local tunnels unstable and at risk of collapse. The machinery seemingly generates heat as well, making the environment around it extremely hot. Being in their vicinity is almost always hazardous. The heat emanating from the machinery can cause heatstroke in individuals in as little as 5 minutes. Machinery sparking is also common, which can easily burn flesh and fabrics.
The substations can vary in size; some of them are large and maze-like, making it easy to get lost. While others are more compact, consisting of only a few hallways. Occasionally, lockers and shelves can be found in these hallways, containing items such as crowbars, pickaxes, water, and non-perishable foods. However, they are not at all a common occurrence.
Nature
Level 3's environment can cause hallucinations, insomnia, and anxiety. Not only that, but those who wander here find themselves exhausted much more frequently. This can be attributed to the harsh nature of the level. Although there is speculation that the level itself has the ability to drain a wanderer's actual energy, making them tired and lethargic.
The level's harsh environment is made worse by entities known as Stalkers, known to lurk in the darkness around unseen corners. The knowledge of these beings can make wanderers feel paranoid and constantly on edge. This constant state of alertness and fear takes a toll on the individual's mind, making it difficult to think clearly and make rational decisions. Most recovered documents are from those who were mentally and physically prepared for such circumstances. Entities often use substations as their own territory and will display territorial behavior towards wanderers and each other.
Wanderers are unable to survive over a long period of time in this level due to the extremely negative consequences of prolonged exposure to the level's effects.
Entities
Level 3 is an entity-rich level. While the tunnels are mostly calm and usually don't contain a lot of entities, the substations are almost always teeming with multiple types of entity roaming around, exhibiting territorial behavior. There have been sightings of entities working together as well as fighting other entities in their territory.
Entities found on this level are Clumps, Facelings, Hounds, Skin-Stealers, and Stalkers. Stalkers can be found very frequently in Level 3 and are usually ignored by other entities.
Recovered Documents
Most documents describing Level 3 usually contain information about Stalkers. Most recovered documents are left by those who have learned to survive against Stalkers.
The following document describes an encounter with a group of Hounds and the constant dread one feels from the Stalkers.
Passageways
Entrances
- Going into a widening hallway with cabling from Level 2 leads to this level.
- Wide hallways in Level 1 can occasionally lead to Level 3.
Exits
- Narrowing walls smoothing out into concrete can lead to both Level 1 and Level 2.
- Level 3's tightening hallways and crawlspaces can be found leading to Level 8.