What to Wait for in 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Finale: Main Theories & Predictions

After releasing the first Volume of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers left fans on the edge of their seats once again.

The story's conclusion will answer key mysteries but also raise new questions. Based on known events, references, and fan discussions, we've compiled the leading theories about how the battle for Hawkins will end.

Will Eddie Return?

Eddie's death in Season 4 was one of the show's most emotional moments. Fans were so distraught that they even started a petition for his return.

Because the series is deeply connected to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, fans have put forth a bold theory. According to the game's lore, there is a vampire named Kas who was a servant of Vecna but ultimately betrayed him.

Like Cas, Eddie was killed by bats, and according to fans, he may repeat his fate – be resurrected by Vecna and become a servant of the villain's will. Then, he may break free from this mental subjugation and join the side of good.

As we know, in the world of Stranger Things, even the wildest theories sometimes prove prophetic.

Who Will Be the Main Antagonist in the Finale – Vecna or an Even More Powerful Monster?

Many believe that the true ruler of the Upside Down has yet to reveal himself. The series has repeatedly hinted at one of Dungeons & Dragons's most powerful creatures: the red dragon named Borys.

Will depicted one in a painting for Mike, and Vecna depicted a future with a dragon-like monster in Nancy's vision.

Considering that the creators have confirmed at least three key antagonists for the finale, it's possible that the dragon will either become a distinct threat or will be Vecna himself, who has already demonstrated his transformation ability.

What Will Happen to Will Byers – Will He Be a Victim or a Weapon?

For a long time, the most widely discussed theory was that Will would descend to the dark side. His deep and painful connection to the Upside Down made such an outcome likely. However, the fourth episode of Season 5 seems to have shifted this line of thinking.

Will's story has reached a new level. Having fully realized his connection to Vecna, Will doesn't succumb to it – he has become the main weapon against it.

He is no longer just a boy in trouble, but an active participant in the battle, ready to use his unique connection to the Upside Down to save his friends. Nevertheless, it's too early to rule out a dramatic turn in his fate.

What Will Happen to Eleven & How Is She Connected to Henry Creel?

With her powers restored, Eleven prepares for the final battle with Hopper's guidance. However, her past remains shrouded in mystery. One leading theory is that she is related to Vecna/Henry Creel.

The similarity of their abilities, as well as her ability to resist him, suggest that he is actually her biological father. This radically changes the perception of their conflict and raises the question of the price of victory.

Will she sacrifice herself to atone for opening the portal in 1979 and close the plot loop, or will she lose her powers but survive? This is one of the most pressing questions.

Which of the Main Characters Will Not Survive the Finale?

The question of which main character will die remains. Those most at risk are those whose stories could end on a sacrificial, yet completed, note. First and foremost among them is Eleven herself.

Others at risk include Steve, who has undergone a journey of redemption; Nancy, who has become a fearless fighter; and Will, whose life is inextricably linked to Vecna.

Max's fate is also cloudy. Trapped in a coma and in Vecna's memories, perhaps her mental battle will be the key to victory.

Another theory suggests that there could be a "happy" ending because the entire series is just a D&D campaign, but the creators have already debunked it.

Unsolved Mysteries and the Theory of Time Travel

The finale should answer long-standing questions: where did Henry Creel get his powers, and what happened to Eleven's mother, Terry Ives?

However, the most intriguing storyline involves temporal paradoxes. As we know, in the Upside Down, time stood still on November 6, 1983, the day Will disappeared.

Season 5 made obvious references to time travel, from the lesson on wormholes to Holly's reading of A Wrinkle in Time to Max's unexpected return to 1959.

These references suggest that the final solution may involve an attempt to change the past. Perhaps Eleven will travel to 1979 to prevent first contact and return to November 6, 1983, but to a world without monsters.

When Will 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Volume 2 & Volume 3 Be Released?

The second Volume of Season 5, consisting of three episodes, will premiere on Christmas Day, December 25.

The final episode, which will conclude the story of Hawkins, will air on December 31.