SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY:
Class 3
- Unsafe and Unsecure
- Strange Effects Present
Description
Level 490 has been named the Night City due to the level being a vast city submerged in a constant and never-ending night. The level is known to be finite as some have reached the wall of the city and made their escape to Level 10. There are only two documented cases when wanderers could reach the wall surrounding Level 490 as the closer one is to the wall, the scarcer the resources and the more common the entity encounters. The wall has been described as a 10-meter-tall black structure, seemingly constructed from brick and cement. All attempts to break through it have failed, with climbing over it being the only known method of breaching it.
An image of a few skyscrapers in the distance.
Level 490 appears to be composed of multiple sectors, each varying in size and distinct features. After extensive observation, the M.E.G. has concluded that sectors are never smaller than a cluster of buildings or larger than a few kilometers. The transitions between sectors are smooth rather than abrupt, leading some to speculate that the level "hand-picks" and seamlessly integrates its own components into the fabric of reality it occupies.
Most buildings in Level 490 are either residential or commercial, there are almost no industrial or other facilities within Level 490. Although rare, wanderers may come across construction sites, while these areas offer little in terms of useful resources, they are highly dangerous, as numerous entities inhabit them, lying and waiting for an opportunity to catch wanderers off guard. M.E.G. advises to avoid these construction sites due to the lack of reward and high amount of dangers. Additionally, the construction sites are dangerous as the construction equipment is known to malfunction and cause accidents around the constructions sites.
Discovery
Level 490 was first discovered by a group of four wanderers who later formed The Skyscraper Crew. While searching for unexplored levels through open doors or no-clip areas, they encountered an entrance within The Hub. After documenting their findings, they reported the finding to B.N.T.G., who later established a base in Level 490 and shared the information with other wanderers.
A sector of Level 490 that doesn't have tall structures or buildings.
One of the many streets of Level 490.
The Houses
Most houses in Level 490 feature architecture reminiscent of the 1990s, though some rare structures appear either older or more modern. The older a house is, the higher the likelihood of it being infested with entities such as Smilers, Deathmoths, and Skin-Stealers. Among these, Smilers are the most common, as nearly every building and street suffers from lighting malfunctions, creating ideal conditions for them to thrive.
The Apartment Complexes
Apartment complexes in Level 490 share the same properties as houses but also possess unique characteristics. They are always located near tram tracks and tend to contain more entities while also offering greater resources. Although more dangerous than houses, they are still less danger-filled than skyscrapers. Most apartments are empty, appearing as if their former occupants have moved out and taken everything with them. Unlike houses, apartment complexes can also harbor entities such as Clumps and Hounds, making them more dangerous.
The Skyscrapers
The most dangerous yet rewarding structures in Level 490 are the skyscrapers. While they appear intact from the outside, their interiors are severely deteriorated and heavily infested with entities. Anomalously, these entities seem unable to leave the skyscrapers, as if confined by an invisible barrier. Despite the extreme danger, skyscrapers offer the greatest rewards, as they frequently contain storage rooms stocked with valuable supplies, including Almond Water, Level Keys, Royal Rations and sometimes Firesalt.
Anomalies
Strange Effects
{$title-component}PTS:
2V
{$title-class}Class:
{$class}
{$title-sub}Area of Effect: Level 490
Constant
{$title-one}Frequency
Undetermined
{$title-two}Duration
Varies
{$title-three}Intensity
While traversing Level 490, wanderers are subjected to an anomalous effect that exponentially increases their need for food and water. This effect becomes more intense as one moves closer to the wall surrounding the level. The severity of these symptoms is further amplified by external factors, such as physical exhaustion, stress, and lack of sleep. In mild cases, this amplification causes heightened hunger and thirst, while in extreme instances, it can induce a state highly similar to a coma. Notably, these effects dissipate immediately once the affected individual is transported out of the level.
Another significant effect of Level 490 is the reduced need for sleep while a person remains within the level. This effect is estimated to cut the required amount of sleep by half. Additionally, any insomnia-related conditions affecting a wanderer are temporarily cured for the duration of their stay in Level 490. The means through which the level affects sleep requirements are unknown and under research.
Calming Lights
{$title-component}PTS:
0
{$title-class}Class:
{$class}
{$title-sub}Area of Effect: Level 490
Frequent
{$title-one}Frequency
Permanent
{$title-two}Duration
None
{$title-three}Intensity
Nearly all functioning lights, both inside and outside, found within Level 490 emit a passive calming effect on wanderers. The reason behind this phenomenon remains unknown and is under research. If these lights are removed from Level 490, they retain their calming properties and the ability to provide illumination. However, certain levels, such as Level 6, can disable both the light including its calming effect. Once returned to a level where light sources are not suppressed, the lights reactivate and resume functioning.
The Rain
{$title-component}PTS:
2E
{$title-class}Class:
{$class}
{$title-sub}Area of Effect: Level 490
Infrequent
{$title-one}Frequency
2 - 5 Days
{$title-two}Duration
Low
{$title-three}Intensity
Although rare, rain can occasionally occur on Level 490. While the rain itself is not inherently dangerous, several risks are present while it is active. The rain appears ordinary, with no unusual smell or sensation affecting wanderers. Besides the visible rainfall, the only other indication is a significant increase in air moisture, it increase the air moisture by approximately three to four times. During rainfall, entities become far more active and aggressive, actively hunting wanderers. Additionally, the rain can damage resources upon contact due to its fall speed being about three times as fast. Prolonged exposure to the heightened moisture levels can degrade supplies, as a precaution, the M.E.G. advises all wanderers to store their resources in secure, waterproof containers to prevent damage.
The Trams
CONCORD ENTITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
HABITAT(S): Level 490
Level 490 captured right before heavy rain started, author unknown.
Trams can be found throughout Level 490, closely resembling those from the The Frontrooms. It is unknown what powers or controls them. The most widely accepted theory suggests that Level 490 itself is sentient, shaping its environment to accommodate both humans, entities and any other creatures within it that we don't yet know of.
Unlike traditional public transportation such as ones found in the The Frontrooms, the trams don't follow a set schedule or designated stops. Instead, they seem to move based on the needs of wanderers, appearing when someone requires transportation or is searching for an exit. Strangely, passengers instinctively know when they should exit the tram, though the reason behind this remains unclear and under research by M.E.G..
Level 490 during light rain.
A street with a few calming lights near the M.E.G. outpost.
Bases, Outposts, and Communities
M.E.G. Dark Camp:
- Friendly and will help anyone if they are injured or in a dire condition.
- Open to trade and willing to exchange information about Level 490 for resources, will not trade or exchange with anyone related to The Skyscraper Crew.
- Has about 120 permanent members.
- Research the anomalies found in the level such as the trams.
B.N.T.G. Resource Hunters:
- Gather resources through the level.
- Located near the Level 11 entrance of Level 490.
- Will exchange resources only if they consider the trade beneficial to themselves.
- About 43 permanent residents.
The Skyscraper Crew:
- Moving camp of about 22 people.
- Mainly scavenge and stay in skyscrapers.
- Will not trade unless they don't have any other options.
- Will help wanderers navigate the level if they are lost.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
There is a chance to come here if on Level 70 one walks through a completely black door, the same can be done on Level 9 and Level 11. This entrance transports wanderers into a large modern house near the B.N.T.G. outpost.
If one finds a service door in The Hub labeled "Night City" and walks through it they will be sent here, the same can be done in Level 5, Level 13 and Level 979.
Exits
By going outside the city walls, one can escape to Level 10.
By finding a service door labeled "The Hub" and walking through one will end up in The Hub.
There is a chance of being transported to Level 61 if one stays in a skyscraper for too long.
Staying too long in a residential house can transport one to either Level 9 or Level 11.
Finding a larger than usual residential complex and entering will lead to Level 13.
By finding a hotel and entering, it is possible that one can end up in Level 5 or Level 979.