Credit: NetflixThere’s a lot more to come from Stranger Things.
Stranger Things Season 5 has officially concluded, bringing the main story of the Hawkins saga to a close. While the finale left fans with plenty of talking points, one persistent online theory has thankfully been put to rest.
The so-called “fake ending” or “Conformity Gate” theory—which suggested that the Season 5 finale was not the real conclusion and that an unannounced episode would drop—failed to materialize. Fans across social media have now finally moved on, leaving the debate behind.
Related: ‘Stranger Things’ Confirms That Major Character Survived Season 5 Finale — Here’s How
In the wake of the finale, Netflix released One Last Adventure, a documentary focused on the making of Season 5 and the series as a whole. The special offers behind-the-scenes footage, providing insight into the creative process and the cast and crew’s experiences bringing Hawkins to life. The film premiered on January 12, giving fans plenty of closure.
However, the Stranger Things universe will continue to expand this year.
The first spinoff will be Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, a 3D animated series heading to Netflix later in 2026. In addition, a live-action spinoff is currently in development, which promises to explore new corners of the franchise beyond the original Hawkins timeline.
Related: ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Extended Uncut Version: Everything We Know
For fans eager to return to the Upside Down in an interactive format, however, Dead by Daylight x Stranger Things Chapter 2 is the next major event, and its arrival is imminent.
Scheduled to launch on January 27 across multiple platforms, the new “chapter” (which is the second Stranger Things DLC for the game) will feature characters Eleven, Dustin Henderson, Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Eddie Munson, and Vecna (AKA Henry Creel).
Dead by Daylight is an online one-versus-four game (or “asymmetrical multiplayer”), in which one player takes on the role of a Killer (in this instance, it’s the dark wizard Vecna, AKA Henry Creel/One) and the other four play as Survivors (Hawkins teens in this case).
Watch the official trailer for the new DLC below:
With the main series concluded, two major spin-offs on the way, and a high-profile gaming event around the corner, Stranger Things fans have plenty to look forward to in 2026.
Stranger Things seasons 1 — 5 are streaming on Netflix.
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).
Will you be playing Dead by Daylight x Stranger Things Chapter 2? Let us know in the comments!