The Backrooms: Entities Guide

Skin-Stealers are among the most dangerous entities in the Backrooms, classified as Entity 10. They are predatory beings with polymorphic capabilities that pose a significant threat to human wanderers due to their ability to disguise themselves as humans.

Appearance & Biology

Each Skin-Stealer possesses two distinct forms:

• Disguise Form: Takes on the appearance of their deceased host with only minor differences. They inherit the memories of their victims, though behavioral patterns may seem noticeably "off" to those who knew the original person.
• True Form: A dark beige-colored, vaguely humanoid being with varying appearances. Often develops sharp appendages or claws to inflict maximum damage. This form is unstable and fragile for a period after transformation.

The disguise is created through a gruesome process where the entity preserves much of the host's skin during reproduction. While externally appearing similar to wanderers, autopsy reports reveal significant internal differences, including altered digestive systems and secondary musculature that controls behavior.

Behavior

Skin-Stealers are solo hunters that employ shapeshifting to lure out prey or infiltrate groups. Their hunting strategy typically involves:

• Isolating a target from a group
• Killing and consuming the victim
• Taking on the victim's appearance
• Infiltrating groups to find more prey

They are particularly dangerous because of their ability to blend in with human survivors, creating paranoia and distrust among groups. Their population remains unknown, though efforts from various groups have consistently thinned their numbers.

Survival Guide

• Examine the blood of your companions at least once per day. If it appears translucent, take appropriate measures immediately.
• Regularly check for differences in the appearances or behavior of your companions.
• Be wary of colonies that seem overly generous or welcoming - they may no longer be human.
• If you encounter a suspected Skin-Stealer, maintain distance and avoid confrontation if possible.
• If cornered, do not allow yourself to be taken alive.

Gameplay Tips

• In multiplayer mode, establish code words or phrases with teammates that a Skin-Stealer wouldn't know.
• Keep track of your companions' behavior patterns and be alert to sudden changes.
• Use the flashlight to check for unusual reflections in the eyes of suspected Skin-Stealers.
• When encountering new survivors, maintain a safe distance until their humanity can be verified.

Hounds are hostile canid entities that inhabit sparsely populated regions of the Backrooms, particularly damp and derelict levels. Despite their canid appearance, they share genetic similarities with humans and possess certain human-like traits.

Appearance & Biology

Hounds have a distinctive appearance that makes them easily identifiable:

• Thin, bony limbs with a skeletal appearance
• Gleaming white eyes visible from a distance in dark areas
• Massive jaws lined with multiple rows of teeth
• Front limbs with webbed, hand-like structures
• Long row of black, scraggly hair along their back
• Unable to stand upright, moving exclusively on all fours

Behavior

Hounds exhibit behaviors comparable to wild animals but with some human-like intelligence:

• Extremely aggressive toward most life forms
• Capable of incapacitating prey quickly with powerful jaws
• Possess slightly below-human intelligence
• Can remember and mentally map environments
• Recognize faces and differentiate between species
• Use basic tools for foraging and self-cleaning
• Have an insatiable appetite and can consume various substances
• Possess acute hearing (up to two miles range)
• Exhibit positive phototaxis (attraction to light)

Egremond Syndrome (The Hound Virus)

Hounds are created through infection with Caniscontagione, commonly known as Egremond Syndrome or the Hound Virus. This rabies-like neurotropic virus facilitates rapid DNA mutation and transforms infected individuals into Hounds.

Symptoms of infection include:

• Heavy migraines and lightheadedness
• Increased aggression and rabies-like symptoms
• Jaundice-like discoloration around bite wounds
• Vomiting and stomach cramps
• Mange-like skin disease around the wound

The transformation process takes 20-30 minutes and is extremely painful, with normal human teeth and nails being pushed out and replaced by fangs and claws. After transformation, the victim enters a highly aggressive state that gradually diminishes over about a month.

Survival Guide

• When encountering a Hound, maintain distance and back away slowly
• If bitten, immediately douse the wound with Almond Water (within 5 minutes)
• Alternative treatments include bloodletting and electroshock therapy
• If infection has progressed beyond 10 minutes, neutralizing the victim is recommended
• Turn off lights to avoid encounters (exploit their positive phototaxis)
• Use ranged weapons like crossbows or rifles when possible

Gameplay Tips

• Listen for growling or barking sounds that indicate Hound presence
• Keep Almond Water in your quick-access inventory at all times
• Use light sources strategically to lure Hounds away from objectives
• Exploit their limping movement by creating distance when spotted
• In dark areas, watch for the reflection of their white eyes

Smilers are entities that lurk in the darkest areas of the Backrooms, recognizable only by their glowing eyes and wide, luminescent grins. They are particularly common in poorly lit corridors and maintenance areas.

Appearance

Smilers are nearly invisible in darkness except for their distinctive features:

• Pair of glowing yellow or white eyes
• Wide, human-like smile with gleaming teeth
• No visible body or other features

Behavior

Smilers are territorial predators with predictable but deadly behavior patterns:

• Remain stationary until a wanderer approaches
• Initially observe from a distance
• Become aggressive when directly looked at or approached
• Attack with incredible speed when provoked
• Retreat from bright, direct light

Survival Guide

• Always carry a reliable flashlight when navigating dark areas
• If you spot a Smiler, do not make direct eye contact
• Back away slowly while pointing your light source in their direction
• Never turn your back on a Smiler once spotted
• If multiple Smilers appear, create a light barrier between yourself and them

Gameplay Tips

• Scan dark areas with your flashlight before entering
• Look for the reflective eyes and teeth that give away their position
• Flares and other bright light sources can create safe paths through Smiler territory
• Listen for subtle clicking sounds that often precede a Smiler's appearance
• In emergency situations, a camera flash can temporarily stun them