‘Stranger Things’ 5 finale explained: who dies, Eleven’s fate, and Hawkins’ final showdown

‘Stranger Things’ 5 finale explained: who survives, how Vecna is defeated, and where Eleven and the crew go next

The series finale of Stranger Things 5, titled ‘The Rightside Up,’ delivers the most intense and sprawling battle sequence of the entire show. The Hawkins crew launches a final assault against Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Mind Flayer, combining their unique skills in a climax that mirrors a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), and Max (Sadie Sink) confront Henry within his mind, while Hopper (David Harbour) and Murray (Brett Gelman) trigger a bomb designed to collapse the Upside Down.

The Abyss becomes the stage for the climactic battle. The Pain Tree reveals itself to be the Mind Flayer, forcing the gang to fight the enormous creature together. Nancy (Natalia Dyer) lures it toward a canyon, Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Robin (Maya Hawke) attack from above, Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) ignites balloon accelerants, and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) sets flares. Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Steve (Joe Keery) attack from below, destroying the Mind Flayer’s egg sacs. The elaborate sequence tested the cast and crew, filmed immediately after Episode 4’s MAC-Z confrontation.

Tragedy strikes as not everyone survives. Hopper eliminates multiple members of the Wolf Pack while trying to rescue Kali, who appears to be killed by Lieutenant Akers (Alex Breaux). Eleven exacts revenge, leaving Akers to turn the gun on himself. Vecna is ultimately defeated when Joyce (Winona Ryder) delivers the death blow, beheading him with her axe after Will distracts Henry. This moment marks the first intentional use of an f-bomb in the series.

With the Upside Down collapsing, Eleven is caught in the void but pulls Mike close, disappearing alongside the dimension. The Duffer Brothers leave her ultimate fate ambiguous, suggesting she survives in a distant village. The final D&D game in the Wheelers’ basement symbolises the characters leaving childhood behind. Max and Lucas find romance, Dustin pursues studies while adventuring with Steve, Will adjusts to city life, and Mike becomes a storyteller. Nancy, Jonathan, Robin, Hopper, and Joyce each move into fulfilling roles while remaining close as friends.

The series concludes with a nostalgic nod to its roots, using David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ for the finale credits, reflecting both the characters’ growth and the enduring spirit of Hawkins. The Hawkins crew may leave the battle behind, but their legacy and friendships live on.