Volume 1 left us with one of the biggest cliffhangers in Stranger Things history. Now Volume 2 approaches, bringing the final episodes of the series. Here's everything we know about how the story ends.
Release Information
Volume 2 Episodes: Episodes 5-8 (the final four episodes)
Runtime: The Duffer Brothers have confirmed the final two episodes are movie-length. Episode 7 reportedly runs 80+ minutes, and the finale exceeds 2 hours.
Theatrical Release: Episodes 7 and 8 will have a limited IMAX theatrical release alongside their Netflix premiere.
Total Season 5 Runtime: Over 12 hours of content, making it the longest season of Stranger Things.
Where Volume 1 Left Off
Major spoilers for Volume 1 ahead.
- The Upside Down continues spreading through Hawkins
- Eleven has entered Vecna's mind using the Piggyback technique
- The military is preparing a "final solution" for Hawkins that may be worse than Vecna
- Several characters are trapped in compromising positions
- Key information about Vecna's weakness has been discovered—but can they exploit it?
The final shot of Volume 1 is one of the most tense in the series' history, with multiple storylines at their breaking point.
What We Know for Sure
The Duffer Brothers and Netflix have confirmed several details:
This is definitely the end: No Season 6. This is the final chapter. Spinoffs may come, but the story of Eleven and the Party concludes here.
Major character deaths: The Duffers have warned that not everyone survives. They've said they made decisions based on story necessity, not audience expectations.
Every storyline resolves: No cliffhangers for the sake of cliffhangers. The main mysteries will be answered.
Time jump epilogue: There will be a flash-forward showing characters' lives after the events of Hawkins.
Will's importance: Noah Schnapp has teased that Will finally steps into the spotlight. His connection to the Upside Down has always been the key.
Leading Fan Theories
Theory 1: The Time Loop Some fans believe the Upside Down isn't a parallel dimension but a possible future—or past. Evidence includes the frozen-in-time nature of the dimension and hints about Will's time there.
Theory 2: Eleven's Sacrifice Many expect Eleven to sacrifice herself to permanently close the connection between dimensions. The show has set up this potential ending since Season 1.
Theory 3: Vecna's Redemption Could Henry Creel be saved rather than destroyed? His origin story suggests there's humanity left in him—but is it too late?
Theory 4: The Upside Down's True Nature The Upside Down might be more than a dimension—it could be a sentient entity that Vecna has only partially controlled. The finale might require negotiating with it rather than destroying it.
Theory 5: Steve and Nancy's Ending The love triangle resolution. Will Nancy end up with Steve, Jonathan, or neither? The show has kept this deliberately ambiguous.
Our Predictions
Based on the show's patterns and setup:
Most likely to die: A beloved Season 1 original (though we hope we're wrong)
Most likely to survive against odds: Max (the show won't kill her after the Season 4 fake-out)
Final battle location: The Creel House—where it all began for Henry
Final song needle drop: Something 80s but emotionally devastating. Our guess: "Heroes" by David Bowie
Post-credits scene: A tease for a spinoff, probably involving Kali/Eight or the broader Hawkins Lab mythology
These are just predictions. The Duffers love subverting expectations while still delivering satisfying conclusions.
How to Prepare for Volume 2
- Season 4, Volume 1 (especially Episode 4, "Dear Billy")
- Season 1 finale ("The Upside Down")
- Season 2 finale ("The Gate")
- S4E7 "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab" (Henry's origin)
- S2E8 "The Mind Flayer" (the hive mind concept)
- S1E1 "The Vanishing of Will Byers" (the beginning)
- Will's connection to the Upside Down
- The Mind Flayer's true nature
- Eleven and Henry's linked powers
The final episodes will reward careful viewers who remember the details. It's a great time for a full series rewatch.
Ready to Play?
Experience all the Stranger Things challenges yourself.
Play All Stranger Things Games →