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Escape the Backrooms Currency Guide: All Money Types & Uses
Updated 2026-06-25
Overview of Currencies in Escape the Backrooms
Escape the Backrooms features a multi-tier currency system that lets you unlock items, access new levels, and customize your survival experience. Understanding how each currency works is essential for efficient progression. This guide covers all money types, their sources, and the best farming strategies.
Main Currency Types
There are three primary currencies you will encounter during your escape attempts.
Tokens
The standard currency earned by completing levels and finding collectibles. Tokens are used at vending machines and shop terminals scattered throughout the backrooms. They are the most common currency and the easiest to farm.
Coins
A rarer currency found in hidden rooms and special events. Coins unlock exclusive cosmetic items and permanent upgrades. They are often guarded by entities or require puzzle solutions.
Keycards
While not a traditional currency, keycards function as access tokens. Different colored keycards (blue, red, yellow) open specific doors and safes containing valuable loot and currency caches.
How to Farm Tokens Efficiently
Tokens are your primary resource for buying supplies like batteries, flashlights, and health items. Focus on these methods for consistent token income.
Complete Level Objectives
Each main level has primary and secondary objectives. Finishing them rewards a base amount of tokens. Always check the level menu before entering to see bonus objectives for extra tokens.
Search Every Drawer and Cabinet
Tokens spawn randomly in drawers, lockers, and cabinets. Make a habit of checking every container you pass. The Hotel level (Level 5) has an especially high density of spawn points.
Defeat or Avoid Entities
Some entities drop tokens when you escape their chase sequence. For example, the Hound has a chance to drop a small token pouch. However, avoid unnecessary combat if you are low on supplies.
Coins and Premium Purchases
Coins are harder to come by but offer significant advantages. They are often the key to unlocking permanent upgrades that carry over between runs.
Coins are not lost on death. Once collected, they remain in your inventory for future runs. Prioritize coin collection early in a session to build your wealth safely.
The best places to find coins include the hidden room behind the 188 hub door and the secret area in Level Fun. Check our guides for specific locations: /en/guides/188-hub-door/ and /en/guides/level-fun-end/.
Using Currency at Shops
Shops appear in safe rooms between levels. They offer a rotating stock of items.
- Vending Machines: Accept tokens only. Sell basic supplies like glowsticks and almond water.
- Shop Terminals: Accept both tokens and coins. Offer higher-tier items such as advanced keycards and entity repellent.
- Mystery Boxes: Cost a mix of both currencies. Contain random rare items, including cosmetic skins.
Always check the shop before proceeding to the next level, as some items are limited in stock.
Currency Farming Routes
For maximum efficiency, follow these recommended routes based on your current needs.
Token Farming Route
Start on Level 1 (Hub). Loot all offices and cubicles. Move to Level 2 (Hotel) and search every room. Repeat this loop for a steady stream of tokens. Expect 200-300 tokens per full run.
Coin Hunting Route
Focus on Level 5 (Hotel) and Level 6 (Fun). The 188 hub door leads to a room with 2-3 guaranteed coins. Check our map guide at /en/guides/level-5-map/ for exact locations.
Mixed Farming Route
Combine both routes by starting with Level 1 token farming, then progressing to Level 5 for coin opportunities. This balanced approach works best for new players.
Tips for New Players
If you are just starting out, avoid spending tokens on cosmetic items. Save them for essential survival gear like extra batteries and health packs. Coins should be hoarded until you find a shop terminal offering permanent upgrades.
How do I get more tokens quickly?
Focus on the first three levels. They have lower entity density and more lootable containers. A beginner can farm 100 tokens in about 15 minutes by systematically searching every area.
Are coins shared between players in co-op?
Yes. In co-op mode, all currencies are shared among the party. Coordinate with your team to decide on purchases. Use our co-op guide at /en/guides/togeatgher/ for more team strategies.
What is the best use of coins?
Permanent health upgrades and extra inventory slots provide the best long-term value. Avoid spending coins on single-use items unless you are preparing for a difficult boss encounter.
Related pages
- Awakening Guide: How to Start Your Journey— Master the beginning of Escape the Backrooms with our comprehensive awakening guide. Learn key mechanics, survival tips, and how to navigate the first levels.
- Gacha System: How It Works & Tips— Learn everything about the Escape the Backrooms gacha system, including how to earn spins, what rewards are available, and tips to maximize your pulls.
- Gear Guide— Discover the essential gear in Escape the Backrooms, learn how to find items, manage inventory, and use equipment to survive the liminal nightmare.
- Progression System Guide— Master the Escape the Backrooms progression system with our complete guide. Learn about level unlocks, item progression, and how to advance through the backrooms efficiently.
- Resource Management Guide— Master Escape the Backrooms resource management with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to find, conserve, and use items like batteries, bandages, and food to survive.
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