Credit: NetflixAs Stranger Things races toward the finish line with its fifth and final season, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. What began in 2016 as a nostalgic supernatural mystery has evolved into a full-blown multimedia universe — one that now spans comics, tie-in novels, immersive VR experiences, merchandise lines, Halloween Horror Nights houses at Universal Studios, a West End/Broadway stage production, and several mobile and tabletop games.
But now that the flagship series prepares for its last chapter, is it finally time for an AAA Stranger Things video game — possibly even an open-world one?
A Franchise Ripe for Expansion
Despite Stranger Things’ massive global popularity, it has yet to receive a major, blockbuster-scale video game. Past titles, while fun, have mostly been smaller experiences, including a mobile RPG and the likes of Stranger Things VR.
They’ve demonstrated that there’s appetite for deeper immersion, but fans are now wondering if the world of Hawkins is big enough to justify something more ambitious.
Given the expansion of the brand into nearly every other entertainment medium, an open-world game feels like the next logical step. Recently, “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024″ rolled out a Stranger Things expansion that allows players to visit Hawkins and the Upside Down. While it looks thrilling in its own right, it’s essentially piggybacking off another game.
Why an Open-World Stranger Things Would Work
Few fictional towns are as instantly recognizable — or as loaded with gaming potential — as Hawkins, Indiana. An open-world Stranger Things title could allow players to explore Hawkins’ neighborhoods and forests, Starcourt Mall, Hawkins Lab, the Creel house, other family homes, arcades, schools, hospitals, and, of course, the Upside Down.
Fans have long dreamed of roaming Hawkins freely, solving mysteries, interacting with townsfolk and perhaps even the show’s iconic characters such as Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Hopper, and Nancy, and witnessing strange phenomena unfolding across town.
Related: ‘Stranger Things’ Getting New Season in 2026 Following Series’ Popularity
Live-Action or Animated Style? Both Work
With Netflix also expanding the franchise into animation through next year’s 3D animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an AAA game wouldn’t need to be restricted to the show’s live-action aesthetic. Two creative directions are equally viable.
A more live-action-inspired approach could deliver a Last of Us-style maturity — atmospheric lighting, grounded environments, and tension-filled stealth and survival mechanics as players face creatures like the Demogorgons and the Mind Flayer.
Or, if developers went for an art style closer to Tales From ’85, the game could lean into retro pulp adventure, vibrant 80s visuals, and even broader storytelling possibilities not tied to actors’ likeness rights. Either direction would instantly attract fans.
Create Your Own ’80s Hawkins Hero
One of the most appealing angles for an AAA Stranger Things game would be character creation. Rather than playing as existing protagonists, players could design their own teen or adult resident of Hawkins. A high schooler navigating monster attacks between classes, a journalist uncovering conspiracies, a new worker at Starcourt Mall, a detective investigating missing persons, or even a Hawkins lab employee caught in a shady government cover-up.
Costume customization, bikes, cars, mixed tapes, and classic 80s fashion would only deepen the immersion.
A character-driven story set during or between the show’s seasons could also maintain canon while exploring new storylines that enrich the main timeline.
Now’s the Time for Stranger Things Open-World
With Season 5 drawing to a close this December 31, Netflix and the Duffer Brothers are gearing up to sunset the flagship series — but not the franchise. New spin-offs, animation, and stage productions ensure Stranger Things remains active well beyond the final episode.
That makes the timing ideal for an AAA title. And given the franchise’s continued popularity, an open-world Stranger Things game would almost certainly be a hit just like the show.
Where Can I Watch Stranger Things?
Stranger Things seasons 1 — 4 and Season 5 Volume 1 are now streaming on Netflix.
Volume 2 will premiere on December 25 and the finale will premiere on December 31 (availability depends on your region/time zone).
Stranger Things Season 5 stars Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler), Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna/Henry Creel), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), and Linda Hamilton (Dr. Kay).
Would you like an open-world Stranger Things video game? Let us know in the comments down below!