Level 5, known as the “Terror Hotel”, is a maze of endless corridors and guest-rooms in Escape the Backrooms. The main goal: gather keycards, solve elevator puzzles, and escape. But with the looping floors and the deadly Smiler stalking the darkness, this level is as much about survival as it is about escape.

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Part 1: Key Mechanisms & Survival Basics of the Horror Hotel

Floor Loops & Elevators

• Floor mechanics: Rooms and elevators can teleport you to random or repeating floors. Look for signage and landmarks to track your progress.
• Elevator use: Essential for navigation but risky. Each ride may trigger the Smiler or force a floor loop.
• Sanity threat: Long corridors and darkness drain sanity fast — keep your light and wits about you.

Smiler Alert

• Characteristics: Glowing eyes and teeth in the dark, extremely sensitive to light and sound.
• Lethality: One stare and it’s game over.
• Counter-strategy: Light is your only real defense — keep your flashlight on, and never wander in darkness unprepared.

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Part 2: Keycard Hunt & Elevator Puzzle Steps

Phase 1: Searching for Keycards

• Collect 2-3 coloured keycards hidden in rooms, cleaning trolleys or bathrooms.
• Team strategy: Split up, but stay within light/voice range to protect sanity.
• Inspect thoroughly — check drawers, wardrobes, bed hollows.

Phase 2: The Elevator Code Puzzle

• Locate the code in a control or monitoring room — numbers often relate to room counts, floor numbers or object sets.
• Input the code to unlock a special floor (basement or top-floor) that contains the exit door.

Phase 3: Opening the Safe Door

• On the special floor, use all collected keycards in the reader next to the exit door.
• Once the door opens, sprint inside without delay to progress to the next level.

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Part 3: Advanced Smiler Strategies & Survival Techniques

Light Management & Smiler Avoidance

• Flashlight always on when traversing halls.
• When chased, you can briefly turn off the flashlight (< 1 second) to hide in darkness — riskier, as it drains sanity faster.
• Direct the light beam at the Smiler when spotted — it freezes, allowing you to slip past.

Environmental Evasion

• Door strategy: If spotted, enter a room and slam the door.
• Wall walking: Stay close to walls rather than in open corridors.
• High-risk loot zones: Dark areas may contain Almond Water or batteries — only venture in if your team has strong light and sanity.

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Conclusion

Level 5 is a test of patience, light management, and team coordination. Keep your flashlight bright, your sanity above 50 %, and watch the halls for glints of teeth in the dark. Escape the Terror Hotel, and you’ll be ready for what lies ahead.