A new chapter emerges in the POOLS saga — silent, surreal, and steeped in mystery. Chapter #0 quietly unfolds as a hidden prologue, offering insight into the unsettling world beneath the tiles.

With geometry as strange and hypnotic as the other chapters, this entry honors the surreal, dreamlike feel of the series, echoing the eerie essence of the Backrooms. Subtle references to earlier chapters make this one feel like both a reflection and a revelation — a beautiful, haunting addition to the POOLS universe.

You begin outside, in an unfamiliar place. A brief journey through submerged cities and abandoned rail yards hints that something darker lies beneath the surface. Not everything in the world of POOLS is serene, and this chapter proves it. There are secrets to uncover, small details to observe, and hidden memories waiting to be found.

Chapter #0 features eight achievements. Most are unlocked by progressing through the story by entering certain locations or completing specific sequences. Others are missable, hidden away in liminal corners or triggered by subtle events.

Let’s take a look at how to unlock them all...

• Number of the Beast
  (Noticed a glitch on an elevator floor display)
  
  
  This achievement is unlocked right at the beginning of the chapter, but it’s easy to miss! To earn it, stay inside the elevator at the start and keep your eyes on the floor display. After a short wait, the display will briefly glitch and display 666. Be patient, it takes a little while. Just remain still and let the moment reveal itself ;)
  
  
• Custodian
  (Observed a gesture from something wishing you to enjoy your stay)
  
  
  As you enter the hotel area, you’ll notice a number of unique rooms to explore, and it’s definitely worth snooping around. Right at the entrance, head to the room across the corridor. Inside, you’ll find a red sofa inviting you to take a break. To unlock the achievement, simply walk into the sofa to take a rest and wait for a while. After a short moment, the doors will quietly close behind you. That’s when you’ll know something wants you to stay! This unlocks the achievement.
  
  
• Room Service
  (Stepped into many rooms in the hotel area, whether you are invited or not)
  
  
  Now that the hotel has accepted your presence, feel free to wander its many quiet halls.
  This achievement unlocks as you explore the various rooms throughout the hotel area.
  It’s unclear whether visiting every single room is necessary, the title suggests otherwise, but better safe than sorry.
  
  
• Misplaced
  (Explored a pathway in the depths that wasn't part of the itinerary)
  
  
  This is a curious achievement... and very easy to miss. After leaving the hotel area and passing through the submerged tunnels with flowing pipes, you’ll enter a vast, sunken space. Above, a ship looms in the water. Below, a face-like structure stares from the depths. Swim toward the submerged ship and enter it through the bow. Inside, navigate the dim corridors: First, take a left, then continue straight and take another left at the end, keep going and take a final left. You’ll find a staircase leading up. Follow the stairs, move through the hallway, and take a left at the very end. Ahead lies a corridor with a strange, humming device at the end center. Walk to it and drop into the depths below. You’ll respawn slightly back, and notice that the doorway to the device is now sealed. The achievement will unlock. Now retrace your path and exit the ship as if nothing happened. 🛈 Important: Don’t turn right inside the ship after the first turn! Doing so will skip this chamber and Crimson Pools entirely and prevent you from unlocking this and the next achievement.
  
  
• Crimson Pools
  (Did somebody mix paint with the water? There's a weird odor in the air...)
  
  
  After exiting the ship, descend into the depths below toward the massive, face-like structure that’s been watching in silence. Swim directly into its open mouth. The world around you shifts, and the water takes on a deeper, more unsettling hue. You’ve entered the Crimson Pools, and the achievement will unlock as you cross the threshold.
  
  
• Wardens of the Waters
  (Discovered a submerged diorama depicting the actions of an unseen force)
  
  
  When you return to the hotel area, marked by its elegant wooden floors and curiously fancy furniture, take a moment near the rocking chair. It’s still moving. Somehow. Just beside it, a ladder leads down into a submerged section of the hotel. Swim through the quiet waters, following the path alongside a familiar water slide. As you descend, something strange emerges in the gloom, a statue frozen in the middle of an ominous scene. What exactly happened here is hard to say. The bath duckies might not be as innocent as they seem… or perhaps something else entirely is to blame. Swim closer. Observe the display. The achievement will quietly unlock.
  
  
• Solace
  (Entered a place where a warm sense of belonging washed over you)
  
  
  Among the surreal and shifting spaces of POOLS, there is one area that feels truly calm, almost sacred. To unlock this achievement, simply walk into the Solace area: a space filled with light, warmth, and a stillness that seems to radiate from the very air. There are no puzzles here, no danger, just a brief moment of peace. Step gently through, and the achievement will unlock as the silence embraces you.
  
  
• #0
  (Chapter #0 Completed)
  
  
  You’ve wandered tunnels, sunken halls, and strange spaces stitched together by silence. This achievement unlocks automatically as you reach the end of Chapter #0. No secrets here, just the quiet satisfaction of having made it through. Congratulations!

Ready for a swim? We certainly are! Despite its title, Pools is anything but a peaceful, relaxing escape. This pool defies expectations with its strange geometries, warped perception of time and space, and an overwhelming sense of unease. Dark waters, whispering voices, impossible heights, and mind-bending designs, but what does it all mean? We’re not quite sure, but one thing’s certain: it’s unsettling. Imagine a collaboration between Dali, Escher, and the directors of Cube and V/H/S, and you’ll get a glimpse of what this game has in store. What’s the point of it all? That’s still up for debate. All we know is we’re going to take a deep breath... and dive in.

Chapter #1 features two achievements. One is easy to unlock through natural progression. The other... requires a bit of exploration. Let’s take a look.

• Not Afraid of the Dark
  (Heard the ominous bellowing)
  
  
  This achievement is easily missed, but absolutely worth the chills. At the start of the level, find the narrow tunnel tucked into the dark, the video guide will show you where. Step inside and wait. The silence will grow heavy. Then, from somewhere deep below, you’ll hear it... A low, unsettling bellow, echoing up from the void. Stay still. Let the moment pass through you. The achievement will unlock soon after. Creepy? Definitely.
  
  
• #1
  (Chapter #1 Completed)
  
  
  No tricks here, just keep moving forward. This achievement unlocks automatically once you reach the end of the first level. Make your way through the shifting halls, quiet pools, and strange depths.
  Eventually, you’ll find the exit. And when you do… this one’s yours. You’ve made it through. Onward!

Creepy… and we’ve only just begun our journey into the depths of Pools. Those impossible geometries, the giant plastic ducks watching you as you slog through the infinite pools, searching for some kind of meaning. To make sense of it all, we’ve decided to give our journey a purpose: explore as much of this flooded labyrinth as possible and uncover whatever secrets it holds. If you look past the scares, you might find moments of serenity, but don’t let your guard down. You never know what’s hiding behind those vent grates.

Let’s dive into the next chapter of Pools. One thing is certain: we’re going to unlock all the achievements and uncover as many secrets as we can. Curious what lies ahead? Stay tuned for this brand new episode of Pools!

Chapter #2 contains the highest concentration of achievements in the entire game. The other chapters are far less dense in terms of collectables. Take your time here, let’s dive in,

• Whisper In The Dark
  (Did you hear that?)
  
  
  Ever stood at the edge of the void? This is your chance! To unlock this achievement, head to a specific staircase that fades slowly into darkness, a descent that feels endless. The easiest way to find it is by following the video guide. Stand near the place where the light ends and the darkness begins. Don’t move. Just wait. After a while, you’ll begin to hear whispering, soft, strange, and impossible to understand. Wait a little longer… the achievement will unlock. Whatever you do, don’t go further down the stairs. Some things are better left unseen and rewinding the tape isn’t always pleasant ;).
  
  
• Anatidaephobia
  (Made close contact with the residents of a dark place)
  
  
  
  Ducks, ducks, ducks... This will be a creepy experience. Unlocking this achievement will require you bumping into one of the residents of the POOLS. However, this one’s not your average rubber duckie encounter, it’s a little unsettling. Head to the dark section where pillars rise in the dark and plastic bath duckies drift silently through the gloom. The location is easy to miss, so we recommend following the video guide. Walk into one of the floating ducks. That’s it. The achievement will unlock… After that, there is time to question what actually happened.
  
  
• Art Appreciator
  (Restored a layer of the scattered art piece)
  
  
  This achievement marks the beginning of something beautiful and strange. Throughout Chapter #2, five layered art pieces are scattered across the map. They appear as red/yellow/orange circles, pieces of a larger design that align when placed over one another. To unlock this achievement, find your first one. Some are hidden well, so keep your eyes open. When you encounter one, don’t rush. Stand still, wait, and keep staring at it. A gentle, wave-like animation will ripple across the art piece, and the layer will slowly fade. That’s how you’ll know it’s been collected. One down. Four to go. Keep looking.
  
  
• Art Connoisseur
  (Restored all layers of the scattered art piece and greeted a newborn being)
  
  
  After collecting all five layers of the mysterious artwork, it’s time to see the full picture. Make your way to the towering spiral staircase and begin your descent. Once you reach the bottom, move to the left side and follow the curve of the central pillar in a counter-clockwise direction. On the outer wall, framed between distant pillars, you’ll find it. A glowing composition of five concentric circles, shifting from red to orange to yellow. Stand before it. Wait. As the piece fades, something new takes shape. A presence enters the Pools. You’ve witnessed the art come to life, and the achievement is yours to take.
  
  
• #2
  (Chapter #2 Completed)
  
  
  This one unlocks as you reach the end of Chapter #2. No secrets to uncover, no hidden corners to find, just keep going. Descend the spiral, face the unknown, and finish the journey. When you do, the achievement will unlock. Another chapter behind you. Deeper still to go.

More bath duckies 🦆, marble statues, and bizarre architecture? You guessed it, it’s time for another chapter of POOLS ! As we move even deeper into the endless maze of pool structures, I have to say, I find those waterslides are amazing! But seriously, what's with the obsession with plastic garden chairs? 🤔 Anyway…

We’re still unsure of our purpose here. Is there a way out? Are we trapped in an endless loop, or are we diving deeper into infinity? Or maybe there’s a secret government facility lurking outside... At least we've been able to collect all those layers of art, it gave us a sense of purpose. But we’re not giving up just yet, the journey continues in this surreal chapter of POOLS !

Chapter #3 is fairly straightforward when it comes to achievements. There are only two to unlock, one tied to story progression and guaranteed to pop as you move forward. The other will require a bit of curiosity, but nothing too hidden or obscure. Let’s take a look.

• I did it my way
  (You don't follow the most obvious path)
  
  
  
  There’s a moment in Chapter #3 where the world begins to twist and where space no longer plays by the rules. When it happens, you’ll know. The architecture bends upward, folding in ways that defy logic. When you see the three parts, ignore the center path. Instead, take either the left or the right outer path and the achievement will unlock.
  
  
• #3
  (Chapter #3 Completed)
  
  
  
  A straightforward one, this achievement unlocks when you finish Chapter #3. Just keep moving forward. You’ve made it this far, and the exit is within reach. You can do it.

As we venture even deeper into the mind-bending architecture of POOLS, the mysteries continue to grow. Branching hallways, warped space-time, and strange residents (yes, more bath ducks and marble statues!) greet us at every turn. The deeper we go, the more disoriented we become as space seems to fold in on itself. Thankfully, there are saunas along the way... though they offer little in the way of actual relaxation. Where will this path lead? It’s still unknown, but there's always a way forward, and we’re determined to find it.

This chapter brings stunning Escher-like designs and subtle nods to Silent Hill, particularly in the eerie arrangement of statues reminiscent of those unsettling nurses. There’s plenty in store for this new episode of POOLS , so buckle up for another round of twists, turns, and unsettling sights.

This level has only two achievements, one of which can be missed quite easily, let's explore on how to get both of them!

• I Said, Look Behind You
  (Caught a glimpse of a timid being)
  
  
  
  Ever had the feeling of being followed? Well you are. This achievement is all about spotting your stalker. The achievement can best be unlocked at the beginning of the level. Pass the wooden sauna area to a dark tunnel, then suddenly turn around and you'll see a mysterious character diving below the surface. Creepy, but the achievement will unlock!
  
  
• #4
  (Chapter 4 Complete)
  
  
  
  Another story progression achievement! Finishing Chapter #4 will grant you this achievement. Slowly move through the chapter and enjoy the view!

We’re not alone! As we dive deeper into the darkness of POOLS , I can't shake the feeling that something is following us. But who – or what – could it be? I thought we were alone… Or maybe time and space are closing in, and we’re the ones following ourselves? Could this be a representation of our own mind, trapping us in a maze of subconscious fears? Definitely food for thought. Let’s gather more clues to figure out what’s really going on before we feel like we're trapped in an Inception dream.

Onward to the next chapter, which I hope offers more brightly lit scenery – this darkness is getting unnerving! But let’s focus on the positives: we’ve encountered some incredible slides and took the leap from the tallest diving tower yet. The architecture is growing more and more exquisite, and that alone is something worth appreciating as we push forward into the unknown.

This chapter has two achievements of which one can be missed. Let's see how to unlock them!

• Døds Diver
  (Performed a dive worthy of an award)
  
  
  
  It's all about performance these days... And so is unlocking this achievement. Make a jump from one of the diving boards a the specified location (just behind the large brick halls). When you're done showing your performance you'll be awarded with the achievement.
  
  
• #5
  (Chapter 5 Completed)
  
  
  
  Similar to the previous story progression achievements, this one will unlock upon finishing the chapter. After completing chapter #5, this achievement will unlock.

As time and space fold into themselves, disorientation grows with every step. Between the impossible geometries and endless waterslides, I still can’t shake the feeling that we’re being followed. Those hands that occasionally grip the edges of walls, as if someone is about to peek around the corner, seem eerily familiar... Yet, amidst this chaos, the nostalgia of majestic pools built with rusty brown bricks brings a strangely soothing comfort.

After a breathtaking dive from the Døds diving board and narrowly escaping the pull of a noisy black hole, we caught a glimpse of something from our past—houses accompanied by strange music. Could this be a reflection of our subconscious fears? Perhaps it’s tied to a deep-seated fear of drowning or floods. But there’s no time to dwell on these mysteries—we must push forward to the final unraveling of the story.

We arrived at the last chapter with the last achievements. Although not difficult to unlock, they can be easily missed. Let's explore that what is left to explore!

• Dripping With Style
  (Witnessed unfathomable elegance)
  
  
  
  It's all about presentation, witness the stylized duck through the window in the black and white staircase. Looking at it for some time will unlock the achievement!
  
  
• Error in Production
  (May contain small amounts of swimming toys)
  
  
  
  This game is all about spotting the unusual. An anomaly can be observed in the area with the mannequin production line, provided that you wait long enough (as with many events in this game). Keep observing the production line for a long time until suddenly an inflatable pink flamingo passes. When this happens, you'll be awarded this achievement.
  
  
• #6
  (Chapter 6 Completed)
  
  
  
  Well that was quite the adventure. It'll take some time to process what actually happened. But time seems to be the only thing we have in abundance here. When you completed Chapter #6, this achievement will unlock automatically. If you unlocked all achievements, congratulations! If you are still missing one, head back to the specific point in the guide and see how to get it (if you feel like it of course. If you are still stuck and want some help, drop a comment here or on Youtube and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible! Cheers!