The Rightside Up: Who Survives the Final Battle with Vecna?
As the final chapter of the Netflix phenomenon unfolds in late 2025, the stakes in Hawkins have never been higher. With the release of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, the body count is starting to rise as the battle against Vecna and the military reaches its fever pitch.
While the core “Hawkins Heroes” have largely survived the first seven episodes, the series finale (scheduled for January 1, 2026) looms as the ultimate “Red Wedding” moment for fans.
Confirmed Deaths (So Far)
As of December 26, 2025, the following characters have met their end in the episodes released during Volume 1 and Volume 2:
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Axel and Kali’s Crew: In a tragic flashback in Episode 5, we witness the military tracking down Kali (Eight). Her friend Axel is killed onscreen, and it is heavily implied that Mick, Funshine, and Dottie (seen in Season 2) were also eliminated by Dr. Kay’s soldiers.
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Dr. Kay’s Scientists & Military Goons: Several unnamed lab workers and soldiers have been killed, either by Kali’s psychic retaliation or by the Demodogs that Henry (Vecna) unleashed on the Hawkins hospital.
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The Demodogs: In a display of his growing power, Will Byers tapped into the Hive Mind and successfully destroyed the pack of Demodogs attacking the hospital, saving Lucas, Max, and Robin.
The “Almost” Deaths: Close Calls
The Duffer Brothers have mastered the art of the “fake-out,” and Season 5 has been full of them:
| Character | The Near-Miss | Status |
| Max Mayfield | Nearly strangled to death in Henry’s mind prison; saved by Will. | Alive (Consciousness trapped) |
| Nancy & Jonathan | Caught in a room melting due to “atomic matter,” rescued by Steve and Dustin. | Alive |
| Holly Wheeler | Nearly fell into a mine shaft and was later attacked by kids in the Abyss. | Alive |
| Steve Harrington | Nearly fell several stories when a staircase melted; saved by Dustin. | Alive |
Death Predictions: Who is Most at Risk in the Finale?
The final episode, titled “The Rightside Up,” is set to be a two-hour-and-eight-minute cinematic event. Here are the characters most likely to make the ultimate sacrifice:
1. Will Byers
Will has been the “North Star” of the series since the pilot. With his newly discovered ability to manipulate the Hive Mind and his deep psychic link to Vecna, many fans believe his story will come full circle, potentially ending in a heroic sacrifice to sever the connection to the Upside Down forever.
2. Eleven
Brenner’s past warnings that El’s powers would eventually kill her have hung over the final season. As the only one capable of truly matching Vecna’s power, the “superhero” trope suggests she may have to give her life to close the gates for good.
3. Steve Harrington
The “babysitter” of Hawkins has survived more brushes with death than anyone else. His character arc—from arrogant jock to selfless protector—is perfectly primed for a “blaze of glory” ending that would devastate the fandom.
4. Vecna / Henry Creel
It is almost certain that the series cannot end with Vecna still breathing. Whether he is killed by Eleven, Will, or a combined effort of the Hawkins crew, the villain’s demise is the most anticipated moment of the finale.
What’s Next?
The world is waiting for January 1, 2026, when the two-hour series finale drops. The Duffer Brothers have promised an “emotional ending” that isn’t a total “wipeout” of the cast, but have warned fans to “brace themselves.”