'Stranger Things' Part 2 Ending Explained: Who Broke Up? Did Will Come Out?

Season 5 of Stranger Things came back with its second batch of episodes that featured a major breakup, possible deaths - and Will opening up about his sexuality.

The second part of the show's final season premiered on Thursday, December 25, with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) trying to remain in control of the Upside Down. Max (Sadie Sink) and Holly (Nell Fisher) make the difficult for him and he soon figures out that Will (Noah Schnapp) has access to his mind as well.

Luckily, Max was able to find her way back to Hawkins - but Holly couldn't. She instead gets even more trapped as all the kids - except Derek (Jake Connelly) - turn against her. The rest of the group has to find a way to take down the big bad as they figure out more about his backstory.

Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) pieces together that the Upside Down is actually a bridge between the real world and a place full of exotic matter a.k.a The Abyss. Vecna's final plan is to merge the two worlds together, which they have to stop.

Before they go off into battle, El (Millie Bobby Brown) is convinced by Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) that they can't save the world and return. Kali instead tells Eleven to stay back and vanish for their own good.

There's also Will, who realizes he has to be honest about his biggest fear before meeting Vecna again. He tells his loved ones that he is gay and receives support from them as they prepare to risk their lives one final time.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of where each character ended up - including if they are still alive or dead - in part 2 of season 5:

Joyce Byers

Following an emotional fight, Dustin and Steve (Joe Keery) hash out their issues. Steve insults Eddie (Joseph Quinn) for being a hero that got himself killed but Dustin admits he can't lose Steve the same way. Dustin also figures out that exotic matter surrounds the Upside Down and is covering up the fact that the Abyss exists right above it.

Lucas Sinclair

Natalia Dyer's Nancy is finally able to talk to Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) about their stagnant relationship. When she admits she doesn't know what she wants, she breaks up with Jonathan in a subtle moment.

Jonathan Byers

A conversation with Vecna makes Will realize he helped build the Upside Down when his mind was possessed all those years ago. He feels bad about the part he played and is even more determined to make sure Vecna loses his powers.

Before that though, Vecna makes Will see a version of a future where his loved ones don't accept him for who he is. That inspires him to face his fear and come out to them - and he is met with support and love.

Max Mayfield

Keery's Steve lives to see another day as most of part 2 is him minding his issues with Dustin. He also thinks of the plan that is set into motion at the end.

Robin Buckley

With help from Erica (Priah Ferguson), Mr. Clarke (Randy Havens) finally gets clued in on everything that has been happening in Hawkins.

Henry Creel and One and Vecna

Vecna's backstory is revealed as Max and Holly see him in the cave trying to help a man. The unknown stranger shoots Henry as a kid and Henry then beats him to death. The rest of the second part shows Vecna trying to control the situation as Holly, Max and Will complicate his plan. The final scene is Vecna holding a séance where he takes over all the children.

US Weekly

This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 7:25 PM.