DOORS Floor 3 The Archives Walkthrough: Complete Guide

Overview

The Archives is Floor 3 of DOORS, released on August 31, 2026 as part of the massive Archives update. After escaping The Mines, players descend into a forgotten underground archive complex filled with documents, artifacts, and brand-new horrors.

This walkthrough covers the entire floor — every section, every puzzle, every new entity, and the strategies you need to make it through alive.

Disclaimer: The Archives is a brand-new floor. This guide is based on the official trailer, LSPLASH announcements, and early community findings. Exact room layouts and entity behaviors may differ from early reports. We’ll update this page as more is confirmed — always verify in-game.

Floor Overview

Detail	Info
Floor Name	The Archives
Released	August 31, 2026
Setting	Abandoned underground archive complex
Unique Features	Filing cabinet mazes, document puzzles, audio logs
Access	After beating The Mines (Floor 2)
New Entities	Multiple (see our Archives Entities page)

The Archives introduces a more puzzle-focused experience than previous floors. You’ll still be running and hiding from entities — but you’ll also need to read documents, find keys, and piece together clues to progress.

New Mechanics in The Archives

Document Puzzles

Many rooms contain documents, files, and ledgers. Reading them isn’t just for lore — some doors and mechanisms require you to find specific information from documents.

Search filing cabinets for useful documents and items
Read carefully — codes and clues are often in the text
Take notes (mental or actual) — some puzzles span multiple rooms

Audio Logs

Scattered throughout The Archives are tape recorders with audio logs. Listen to them for story beats and, occasionally, puzzle hints.

The tape recorder item can play logs you find
Some logs give clues about entity behavior
A few logs are just for lore — but they’re worth finding

Light Management

The Archives is dark. Very dark. And your flashlight isn’t infinite anymore.

Batteries are essential — find them to recharge your flashlight
Glow sticks provide an alternative light source
Conserve light — only turn it on when you need to see something
Some entities are attracted to light — use it carefully

Archive Keys & Locks

Not every door opens with a regular key anymore. Some areas require special archive keys found in specific locations.

Different colored archive keys unlock different sections
The Vault area requires a rare archive key
Some keys are hidden behind puzzles or optional challenges

Floor Sections

The Archives is divided into several distinct areas. Here’s what to expect in each.

Section 1: The Lobby

The entrance to The Archives. After stepping off the elevator from The Mines, you find yourself in a grand, decaying lobby.

Safe zone — no entities here (probably)
Grab items from the front desk and nearby rooms
Read the welcome sign — it has useful information about the facility
Prepare — things get worse past the first set of doors

Section 2: The Stacks

The main body of The Archives. Endless rows of filing cabinets and document boxes.

Maze-like layout — it’s easy to get turned around
Most entities live here — stay alert
Lots of items — filing cabinets and drawers are full of useful stuff
Watch for traps — not every cabinet is safe to open

Section 3: The Reading Room

A large, open room with tables, chairs, and tall bookshelves.

Major story beat happens here
Important document — find it to progress
Listen for cues — there’s a specific entity encounter in this room
Multiple exits — choose carefully

Section 4: The Record Room

A room full of old recording equipment, film reels, and static-filled monitors.

Static entity encounter — learn more on our entities page
Audio log collection — several logs are in here
Dark — bring plenty of light
Puzzle — you’ll need to use the equipment to proceed

Section 5: The Vault

A heavily secured area deep in The Archives.

Requires an archive key to enter
Rare items inside — including powerful tools
Strong entity guarding it — save your crucifix
REDACTED badge — the secret badge is somewhere in or near the Vault

Section 6: The Basement Archives

The deepest level of The Archives. The final stretch.

Darkest area of the floor
Most dangerous entities are down here
Final boss encounter — the big one
End of the floor — beat this, and you’ve completed The Archives

Entity Survival Cheat Sheet for The Archives

Here’s a quick reference for the new entities you’ll face on Floor 3. For full details, see our New Archives Entities Guide.

Entity	Cue	What To Do
The Archivist	Slow, heavy footsteps; shuffling papers	Hide, don’t make noise, don’t let it see you
Page Turner	Rustling pages; movement in book stacks	Shine light, move carefully
Card Catalog	Looks like a normal filing cabinet	Don’t open suspicious drawers
Static	TV/monitor static on screen	Turn away, cover your ears (in-game mechanic)
Dust	Visible dust cloud in the air	Wear gas mask or hold your breath and run

Tips for Surviving Floor 3

Stock up before you enter. The Mines exit area is your last chance to prepare. Make sure you have a full inventory of useful items.
Bring batteries. Lots of them. Your flashlight is your lifeline in The Archives.
Read everything. Documents aren’t just lore — they contain puzzle solutions and hints about what’s coming.
Don’t open every drawer. Some cabinets are traps. Be cautious.
Save your crucifix for The Vault. The thing guarding it is no joke.
Use glow sticks in dangerous areas. They provide light without attracting certain entities the way flashlights do.
Learn the layout early. The Stacks section is a maze — try to get your bearings in the first few rooms.
Gas mask is worth it. If you find one early, hold onto it. The Dust entity alone makes it worth the inventory slot.

The REDACTED Badge

The Archives includes a secret REDACTED badge that’s been a big part of the hype around this update.

We’ve put together a separate guide for it:

➡️ [How to Get the REDACTED Badge in DOORS The Archives] (/redacted-badge-guide)

Warning: contains spoilers about hidden areas and late-floor content.

What’s Before Floor 3?

Need to get through Floor 2 first? Check out our [The Mines Walkthrough] (/the-mines-floor) for everything you need to reach the Archives elevator.

And for the complete picture of all three floors, start from the beginning with our The Hotel Guide.

Last verified: September 2, 2026. This guide is based on official trailer analysis, LSPLASH social media announcements, and early community exploration of The Archives update. Room layouts are procedurally generated and may vary. Entity behavior and puzzle solutions may be adjusted in patches — always verify in-game.