Entering The Archives in Roblox DOORS brings a fresh set of challenges, and none are as persistent as the entities known as DOORS drones. While these shadowy figures might seem like simple office workers at first glance, understanding how DOORS drones function is crucial for any player looking to survive this subfloor. This guide breaks down everything from their behavior patterns to advanced survival strategies.
The Archives is a complex, office-themed subfloor that demands high situational awareness. Unlike the standard Hotel or Mines, the environment here is dense with lore and unique hazards. The drones are integral to this atmosphere, acting as both an environmental obstacle and a genuine threat during specific timed events.
What Are DOORS Drones?
At their core, drones are humanoid, two-dimensional shadows that populate the rooms of The Archives. They have a distinct, somewhat unsettling appearance: pitch-black silhouettes with faces obscured by sticky notes containing crudely drawn facial features.
According to community observations and in-game journals, these entities appear to be the "workers" of The Archives. They are often seen idling in casual stances or performing tasks near workstations, suggesting they are responsible for the upkeep of this forgotten place. Their connection to other entities, specifically Honcho and Scribbles, remains a subject of intense speculation within the community.
Drone Appearance and Variants
While all drones share the same basic silhouette, they come in various forms. Players have noted masculine, feminine, and neutral variations. Some drones possess more sticky notes than others, sometimes resulting in extra eyes or distorted expressions.
Tip
The "Kingpin" Variant Keep an eye out for the large drone, often nicknamed "Kingpin" by the community. While its behavior is identical to standard drones, its massive size makes it significantly harder to navigate around in tight corridors.
Core Mechanics: How They Behave
To survive, you must understand the two distinct states of these entities: Idle and Stampede.
| State | Behavior | Damage | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle | Wanders, teleports randomly every 12 seconds | 5 HP + Stun | Walk slowly, avoid contact |
| Stampede | Rushes through the central corridor | 30 HP | Hide in closets/side rooms |
The Idle State
When you enter a room, there is a chance drones will be present. They are not inherently hostile; they won't chase you down. However, if you bump into one, they will deal 5 damage, knock you over, and stun you temporarily. If you are holding an item, bumping into a drone will cause you to drop it, which can be disastrous during a high-stakes run.
The Stampede Event
This is the most dangerous mechanic associated with these entities. When the clocks scattered throughout The Archives strike 5:00 or 9:00, a chime sounds, signaling a "drone stampede." During this event, a horde of drones rushes through the room. Being caught in this stampede deals 30 damage and leaves a temporary footstep mark on your face.
Survival Strategies: Expert Tips
Surviving DOORS drones requires a mix of environmental awareness and item management. Because they appear in almost every room except the starting room, you need a consistent strategy.
1. Utilizing the Environment
The Archives is filled with side rooms and closets. When you hear the clock chime, immediately prioritize finding a hiding spot. Stampedes always take the most direct path through the room, usually the central corridor. By hugging the side walls or ducking into side rooms, you can bypass the horde entirely.
2. The Paper Airplane Mechanic
One of the most useful tools for navigating these entities is the Paper Airplane. If a drone is blocking your path or exit, throwing a paper airplane at it will knock it back. This is an excellent way to clear a doorway without risking the 5 damage and stun penalty from a direct collision.
3. Managing "Pizza Party" Sectors
You will occasionally encounter "Pizza Party" rooms, recognizable by colorful balloons and pizza on plates. These rooms have a guaranteed spawn rate for drones.
- Strategy: Move slowly. The increased density of drones in these rooms makes sprinting dangerous.
- Observation: Use the see-through doors in The Archives to check for drones before entering a new room. If you see a cluster, prep your Paper Airplane.
Lore and Connections
The mystery surrounding these entities is one of the most engaging aspects of The Archives. The in-game journal and community theories suggest a deep connection between the drones, Honcho, and Scribbles.
- Honcho: It is widely believed that the drones are the workforce managed by Honcho. They maintain the facility, ensuring the office doesn't fall into the decay seen in other areas of the game.
- Scribbles: There is a strong theory that Scribbles, the rework of A-120, may be the creator of the drones. The drawings found throughout the archives—specifically the faces and eyes—match those found on the sticky notes covering the drones' faces.
This link suggests that the paper people—the drones—are a product of the same ink-and-paper reality that Scribbles inhabits. Whether they are mindless husks or sentient beings forced into labor is a question that continues to drive community discussion.
Advanced Tips for Every Player
To master The Archives, you need to treat these entities as more than just background props. Here are some advanced tips gathered from community reports:
- Don't Panic During Stuns: If you bump into a drone and get stunned, recover your composure immediately. If Fasha or another entity is nearby, the 5 damage is the least of your worries.
- Clock Management: You can actually "freeze" the clocks by looking at them. If a clock is approaching 5:00 or 9:00, staring at it can halt its progression, effectively delaying the stampede until you are ready.
- Spatial Awareness: Always assume a drone is standing right behind the next door. Even if you don't hear them, the spawn logic often places them at choke points.
Drone Behavior Comparison
Understanding the difference between standard entity threats and these unique entities is key.
| Feature | DOORS Drones | Other Entities (e.g., Rush) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Danger | Collision/Stampede | Direct line of sight/Proximity |
| Hostility | Passive (unless bumped) | Aggressive/Hunting |
| Best Counter | Avoidance/Paper Airplane | Hiding/Closets |
| Predictability | High (Stampede follows clocks) | Medium (Randomized) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I kill the DOORS drones? A: No, you cannot kill or permanently remove the drones. They are a persistent environmental hazard. Your best strategy is to avoid them or use Paper Airplanes to move them out of your path.
Q: Why do the clocks matter? A: The clocks are your warning system. When they strike 5:00 or 9:00, a drone stampede is imminent. Using these visual cues is the only way to predict the stampede and find a safe spot in time.
Q: Do the drones have intelligence? A: According to the in-game journal, the drones show no signs of actual intelligence. They behave more like husks, simply following the directives of Honcho to organize the office.
Q: Are there different types of DOORS drones? A: While they vary in appearance (masculine, feminine, neutral, and the large "Kingpin" variant), their behavior is consistent across all types. They all deal the same damage and react to the same stampede triggers.
By mastering these mechanics, you will find that navigating The Archives becomes significantly less daunting. Remember, in a place where forgotten memories are kept, sometimes the biggest threat is simply walking into the wrong coworker. Stay vigilant, keep your Paper Airplanes ready, and watch the clocks.