Stranger Things Season 5 Vol 1 Ending Explained: Will’s Big Twist And Who Survives In Finale

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Consisting of four episodes, the final one titled Sorcerer sets the stage for an explosive endgame as the Duffer Brothers steer their Hawkins

heroes toward one last battle against Vecna and the horrors of the Upside Down.

As expected, the mid-season break arrives with a dramatic cliffhanger. Episode 4 brings fan-favourite characters back into the fold and delivers a major Will Byers twist that completely alters the stakes. If you haven’t started Season 5 yet, consider this your spoiler warning, this ending dives straight into the chaos of the Upside Down.

Vecna Returns, Hawkins in Quarantine & Eleven’s Shocking Discovery

Season 5 Volume 1 opens the first major confrontation with Vecna since Season 4, where he survived the fiery “flambe” attack that left him presumed dead. Now, Vecna resurfaces under the disguise of “Mr Whatsit,” posing as a friendly figure to lure children. Mike, Will and the gang uncover his plan while conducting “crawls” to map the evolving Upside Down as Hawkins remains cut off under quarantine.

Meanwhile, Hopper becomes trapped in the alternate dimension, forcing Eleven into rescue mode. Her mission leads her into a military base within the Upside Down, requiring intense physical feats and sheer determination. Inside, she discovers that the feared villain supposedly held by Dr Kay isn’t Vecna at all — it’s actually her long-lost sister Kali, also known as Eight, marking a dramatic return from Season 2.

Will Unleashes New Powers & Max and Holly Launch a Rescue Mission

As Mike, Lucas, Robin, Will, and Joyce continue their search for the missing kids, Vecna unleashes demogorgons and delivers a chilling monologue to Will: “Do you know why I chose them to reshape the world? Because they are weak…” He reminds Will of his past torment — but this time, Will fights back.

Drawing strength from memories with his brother, Will activates powerful telekinetic abilities, obliterating the demogorgons and turning the tide.

In another storyline, Max crosses paths with Holly Wheeler — Mike and Nancy’s younger sister who once followed the lights in Joyce Byers’ home. Holly is kidnapped by demogorgons, forcing Max to launch a rescue mission. The two navigate through the dark corners of Vecna’s mind, desperately searching for a way out.

Volume 1 ends with mounting tension and unanswered questions, setting up a high-stakes final stretch. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 releases on Christmas, December 25, with the grand finale arriving on December 31.