Many things are hanging in the air at the end of Stranger Things Season 4, and the ending requires a bit of explanation. We’ve seen cliffhangers in the past, but this is the first time that a season has ended on such a down note and with so many things in question. We’ll take a look at the conclusion of Season 4 and what it means for the future of Hawkins.
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained
The gang is in mixed spirits at the end of Stranger Things Season 4. The groups we’ve followed from California, Russia, and Hawkins have reunited, which is cause for celebration. However, Eddie’s death and Max’s coma put a damper on what should have been a more joyous occasion.
Even though Eleven saved Max, her brief death was enough to trigger the opening of Vecna’s massive gate. Unfortunately, the combo attack on Vecna by Eleven and Nancy, Robin, and Steve only injures him instead of killing him. As a result, he can get away, and the group cannot chase him down again.
During the last scene of the season, the gang notices that the Upside Down is transforming the landscape surrounding the gate, which means Vecna’s plan is coming to pass. Additionally, around Hawkins, it begins to rain the ash-like particles that are a hallmark of the Upside Down.
So, the season closes on Hawkins fighting for its life. Vecna intends to let the Upside Down seep through the gates and consume the town and then the world. Unfortunately, we don’t get a solution to this issue. Obviously, Vecna will return as an antagonist again. Still, with the fifth season being the last, he won’t be the only one they’ll have to contend with. The Mind Flayer is still out there, and we still don’t fully understand how it works.
