Level 614 - "The Geyser Lands"

Level 614 takes the appearance of a mix of a forest and a grassland with varying topography; the size of Level 614 is unknown. The primary feature of the level are the frequent geysers.

Description

The main region of Level 614 is a large grassland with small forests scattered across the surface. At the "center"¹ of the level, where all wanderers arrive at when entering the level, is a grassy hill with a stone monument on top of it which instills fear in anyone who approaches it. A soft, crisp breeze constantly blows through the level, which was reported to evoke calmness and give wanderers motivation. Occasionally, a powerful gust of brisk wind will blow through the fields, causing trees to sway back and forth, filling the level with the sound of rustling leaves. This area of the level has perpetually sunny weather with some clouds scattered across the sky, which pass slowly across the blue sky. There may sometimes, albeit rarely, be a small bird that flies through the fields between forests, and other large mammals may also come to graze on grass.

The Forests

The forests within Level 614 takes the appearance of a regular forest in The Frontrooms. Rich in biodiversity, the woods are excellent places to relax and interact with fauna in the level. This region also contains lakes and streams, which are sources of drinkable Almond Water. One will also find well-furnished cabins that contain food, Almond Water, and supplies that refill over time. Cabins are thus ideal places for long-term habitation, and The Zealous often call these cabins home. Aside from cabins, the forest also houses pavilions which make for great places for meditation and relaxation.

The Geysers

Level 614 houses many geysers scattered across the level. Ranging from just a few centimeters to tens of meters in size, Level 614's geysers are one of the most unique features of the level. Watching the geysers erupt was reported to invoke a sense of wonder and awe, though it is unadvised to approach a geyser as it contains scalding water. After the eruption is over, wanderers who witnessed it will carry a sense of joy with them for a long period of time.²

The reason why the geysers are the most unique part of Level 614 is due to the contents of the water expelled from them.³ The water itself contains an anomalous substance called Blue Paste, which can be extracted and used to make Blue Gel, a substance that is used in the creation of highly efficient batteries, solar cells, and power plants.

The Republic of Boveta Department of Classification assigns a number to any geyser worthy of being documented. Geysers may also be assigned a name⁴ though it is extremely rare. The Bovetans have set up a town that has become the hub for Blue Gel production and innovation.⁵

Fauna

Level 614's biodiversity is among the highest of all Backrooms levels. Common fauna found on the level include bears, bison, elk, peacocks, small birds, and insects. While all animal species in this level have counterparts in The Frontrooms, all of them displayed higher intelligence, increased social tendencies, and more docile behavior. In addition, commonly aggressive fauna like bears are completely docile within the level. All fauna on the level display a friendly attitude towards humans, often showing signs of joy when interacting with humans and willingness to learn from humans. Genetic testing reveals that their DNA is different from their Frontrooms counterparts, leading some to hypothesize that these animals might be evolving in this level. However, there has been no evidence of evolutionary pressure leading to such large-scale changes among all species. Additionally, the animals on this level do not vary in physical appearance from their Frontrooms counterparts as well.

The Outskirts

When one travels for some time in any direction, they will eventually run into the outskirts, a rugged mountain range eternally coated in a grey fog. Surrounding the forests and the grasslands, the temperature of the outskirts is noticeably colder, and a strong chilling wind blows across this region at all times. The geometry of the mountains is also highly non-Euclidean: anyone who tries to scale the mountain will inevitably go in circles, finding themselves right back where they first started to climb. This effectively makes the outskirts a barrier to whatever lies on the other side of the mountains. The wind here has been reported to give people a powerful sense of stress and urgency. Many members of the Zealous have reported the outskirts being their final destination before leaving the level. It is unclear if anything is beyond the outskirts, as even if there is something beyond the outskirts, it will be beyond the reach of humanity.

Bases, Outposts, and Communities

New Zephyr

New Zephyr is a town with a population of around 200 people. The town was formed after the merge of the Zephyr Outposts following the formation of the Blue Gel Pact in 2023. While its initial purpose was to provide an operations center for the Pact to harvest Blue Gel, the town grew and its purpose expanded. It currently has a secondary purpose of housing a semi-permanent population of wanderers who decided to inhabit the level and to protect the level's environment.

Currently, New Zephyr manages 16 Blue Gel extraction plants belonging to the M.E.G., the B.N.T.G., and the Republic of Boveta. The primary challenge of harvesting Blue Gel in this level is moving the Blue Gel out of the level. Due to the absence of a safe exit from Level 614, moving supplies to a major level takes immense resources. While some efforts were made by the B.N.T.G., it was the Bovetans who created Route 5, which became the primary trade route between Level 614 and Level 650.

To protect the level's natural ecosystem as well as reducing disturbance to the Zealous, New Zephyr has a strict policy that requires all plants on Level 614 to treat all waste from Blue Gel extraction into harmless substances before releasing them into the environment. New Zephyr is also planning to upgrade existing plants to use a newer, more efficient, and less polluting production method. A test plant is currently under construction in Geyser No.18.

One of New Zephyr's primary missions is to support the Zealous on their pilgrimage. Since New Zephyr's town development has emphasized leaving the level's natural environment untouched, the Zealous and others can experience the level's beauty without interference. In January 2025, New Zephyr launched an initiative to build pavilions in the forests for the Zealous. These pavilions are designed to be well integrated into the surrounding woods, and are built at night to avoid causing disturbances to anyone in the Level.

The Zealous

According to the testimonies of citizens of New Zephyr, there are dozens, if not hundreds of inspired hermits who have left their homes and made pilgrimage to 614, some lost, most by choice. Known as the Zealous, they live here—often alone—scattered across the landscape in the sparsely found cabins nestled within the brush, the misty foothills, and shady dales. No matter how they came to call it home, the citizens of Zephyr say the Zealous are drawn to the geyser lands for a shared inspiration: they meditate in isolation on how to make a difference for humanity in the Backrooms.

Entrances and Exits

Entrances

• Walking into an open field in Level 39 leads here.
• Walking into an area in Level 10 with cold wind may lead here.
• Feeling depressed for long periods of time in any level has a chance of sending you here.

Exits

• Walking into the middle of the stone monument in the center of the level leads to Level 699. Do note that to reach a safe level after leaving Level 614 requires passing through 2-3 class 5 danger levels and there is a chance of wanderers ending up in dead ends while escaping level 614.

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