Are There Any Major Character Deaths in STRANGER THINGS 5: THE FINALE?

The epic story of Stranger Things has officially come to an end with the release of Stranger Things 5: The Finale. Many fans were anxious about how the series would conclude, not wanting to say goodbye to Hawkins and the characters we’ve grown to love – and worried about potential heartbreaking losses. While the first part of the final season didn’t feature any major character deaths, the full finale did have some – though the circumstances are a bit complex. Be warned: spoilers follow!

Are there any Major Character Deaths in Stranger Things 5: The Finale?

Okay, so yes, things got intense. And honestly, a lot of characters met their end in the final episode of Stranger Things. Before I dive into all the heartbreaking details, let me lay out exactly who didn’t make it. It’s a tough list, but we need to be clear on who we’re saying goodbye to.

Kali/Eight’s Death Came in Stranger Things‘ Final Episode

In the final season of Stranger Things, Kali/Eight appeared to try and persuade Eleven that both she and her sister should sacrifice themselves. It seems she may have gotten her wish, as the season strongly suggests Kali’s death. After Vecna manipulated Hopper, their initial plan to defeat him using Dr. Brenner’s bath in the Upside Down lab was abandoned. However, they immediately faced a new threat: the military, led by Lieutenant Akers, who used sonic weapons to disable Eleven and Kali’s powers. Hopper managed to get Eleven to safety, but when he returned for Kali/Eight, they were both overwhelmed and captured.

Driven to reach Eleven, Akers resorted to threatening and ultimately shooting Kali. She suffered fatal injuries in the Hawkins lab within the Upside Down. However, Kali had accepted her fate, telling Eleven, “My story was always going to end here.” While Kali wasn’t initially who fans expected to see return in Stranger Things 5, the writers regret she couldn’t have a more positive conclusion.

Lieutenant Akers Died BLOODILY at Eleven’s Hand

Lieutenant Akers’ death in Stranger Things: The Finale was particularly shocking. Enraged by the danger to both her sister and Hopper, Eleven used her powers to make Akers shoot himself, resulting in an instantly fatal wound. It was a very violent and disturbing scene.

Vecna Finally Died in Stranger Things 5: The Finale

It was likely inevitable, but the final episode of Stranger Things 5 saw the death of Vecna. The Party’s plan didn’t go smoothly; while they prevented the Abyss from destroying the world and rescued the children, defeating Vecna proved difficult. He merged with the Mind Flayer, becoming a powerful, monstrous hive mind. Ultimately, Eleven, with newfound courage from Will, impaled him on his own psychic spires. In a dramatic finish, Joyce Byers delivered the final blow, literally beheading Vecna with an axe, ending his reign of terror in the series finale of Stranger Things. A fitting end.

Stranger Things 5: The Finale Brought Us Eleven’s Death… Maybe

The most upsetting moment in the final season of Stranger Things was Eleven’s apparent death. Just when it seemed the group had finally escaped the Upside Down and would be safe, the military was waiting for them. This reminded Eleven that she and her friends would always be in danger as long as she lived, leading her to believe, as Kali had previously suggested, that sacrificing herself was the only solution. For most of the series finale, Stranger Things 5: The Finale, it seemed like Eleven’s death was final and irreversible.

However, the very last scene of Stranger Things 5 presents a different explanation from Mike. He suggests that Eleven and Kali worked together to make it appear as though Eleven died. In reality, he believes her death was a vision created by Kali. Mike points out that the military blocked Eleven’s powers with special sound waves, preventing her from contacting him telepathically. He thinks Eleven didn’t actually die in Stranger Things 5, and is instead hiding somewhere. Whether you believe this is up to you.

Did Steve Die on Stranger Things?

Many fans were incredibly worried Steve was going to die in the final season of Stranger Things. The creators, the Duffer Brothers, were well aware of this and deliberately led us to believe he might! At the very beginning of Stranger Things 5, Steve nearly fell from the radio tower, which was a terrifying moment. Thankfully, he survived – though the Duffer Brothers certainly had us fooled for a while!

In the End, Almost No Major Characters Died on Stranger Things, Not in the Finale or Any Other Season

That concludes our look at character deaths in Stranger Things 5. All the core characters survived until the planned spinoff series. Looking back at the entire show, including the finale, there weren’t any significant deaths among the main cast. Eleven’s death is the only one, but the show allows fans to interpret it as her still being alive.

Honestly, we don’t mind!

Stranger Things 5: The Finale is streaming now on Netflix.

2026-01-01 07:03