Warning: This article contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5.

Volume 1 of the final season of Stranger Things premiered on Netflix on November 27, 2025, delivering four thrilling episodes that set the stage for the series’ dramatic conclusion. With Volume 2 arriving December 25 and the finale airing December 31 at 8 p.m. ET, fans are closer than ever to the epic showdown in Hawkins and the Upside Down.

Where Things Stand in Hawkins and the Upside Down

The story picks up more than a year after the events of Season 4, which left Hawkins under military lockdown and the entrance to the Upside Down sealed under government control. Despite the heavy military presence, the Hawkins crew has conducted over 30 missions, or “crawls,” into the Upside Down to track down Vecna (Henry Creel), who disappeared in the previous season.

The crawls involve the full ensemble: Hopper, Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Steve, Robin, Nancy, Jonathan, and Joyce. Meanwhile, Eleven has been training rigorously to join Hopper on these missions while evading the military, which seeks her after her escape in Season 4.

Eleven and Hopper’s Mission

After Holly Wheeler is kidnapped, Eleven finally re-enters the Upside Down to rescue her. She discovers that Holly’s “imaginary friend” is actually Henry Creel (Vecna). Holly is trapped in a dreamworld version of the Creel house, protected by an impenetrable wall in the Upside Down.

Hopper and Eleven gain critical insights into the military’s secret operations led by Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton). They capture a soldier, Lt. Akers, allowing Eleven to probe his mind and locate what she believes is a vault holding Vecna. The duo infiltrates the government building, faces off against Dr. Kay, and discovers Eleven’s “sister” Eight in a secret chamber.

Max and Holly’s Survival

Max Mayfield, who was left in critical condition after Vecna’s attack in Season 4, reappears in the Upside Down. She guides Holly through Henry’s memories and reveals the existence of the “fourth gate,” which split Hawkins in two. Max and Holly plan a daring escape, setting up the storylines for the second volume of the season.

Dustin, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, and the Kids

The group discovers that middle schoolers are being rounded up by the government and transported to a military base. Derek Turnbow, Holly’s former bully, becomes the key to infiltrating the facility and rescuing the children. However, Demogorgons attack during the escape, causing chaos and leaving several soldiers dead.

Vecna’s Plan and Will’s Connection

Vecna is revealed to be hunting children he considers “weak in body and mind,” aiming to reshape the world using them as vessels. Will Byers, though rescued years ago, remains connected to Vecna and the demogorgon hive mind. In a shocking twist at the end of Volume 1, Will harnesses his connection to stop the demogorgons, demonstrating a newfound psychic ability. This marks a pivotal development in the final season and sets up the stakes for the ultimate confrontation.

What This Means for Season 5, Volume 2

Volume 1 leaves Hawkins in turmoil, with multiple characters trapped in the Upside Down, military forces under siege, and Will emerging as a key player against Vecna. Volume 2, premiering December 25, promises the continuation of these high-stakes battles and the long-awaited series finale on December 31.