Matt Duffer, the co-creator of Stranger Things, confirms that the second volume of the final season will feature an episode dedicated to the villain Vecna. In a recent interview, Duffer called this the “Russia storyline” and explained it will follow a small group of characters isolated from the main action, specifically Max Mayfield and Holly Wheeler. The episode is set to explore more of Vecna’s memories, promising to add depth to the show’s main antagonist just before the series concludes.
The final season is being released in three parts. Volume 1, consisting of four episodes, is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2, which includes three episodes, is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. The single-episode series finale, Volume 3, will arrive on December 31, 2025. All new episodes are set to premiere at 5 p.m. Pacific Time and 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
A Deep Dive Into The “Russia Storyline”
When asked if fans would learn more about Vecna’s past, Matt Duffer was direct in his answer. “Yes, that’s what we call our new Russia storyline,” he said, explaining that it focuses on a very few characters who are “kind of isolated off on their own”.
This storyline primarily involves Max and Holly, who find themselves trapped inside Vecna’s memories in a place Holly nicknames “Camazotz”. Duffer noted that the creative team is happy with how this isolated narrative integrates with the other storylines unfolding in Hawkins. The description suggests this episode will be a character-driven detour, providing crucial backstory for the villain while Max and Holly attempt to navigate and escape his mental prison.
Where Volume 1 Left Off: Will’s New Power and Vecna’s Plan
The first volume ended with a major cliffhanger that sets the stage for Volume 2. In the climax, Vecna and a pack of Demogorgons attacked the military base in Hawkins, successfully kidnapping several children. Before disappearing back into the Upside Down, Vecna revealed his plan to use twelve children as “ideal vessels” to reshape the world. He told Will Byers, “you were the first,” acknowledging that Will’s initial abduction in Season 1 showed him what was possible.
In a dramatic twist, Will Byers unlocked latent psychic powers to save his friends. Tapping into happy memories and his connection to Vecna, Will psychically froze and destroyed the attacking Demogorgons, mirroring Eleven’s signature stance. The show’s creators have stated that bringing the story full circle to focus on Will was a core idea for the final season.
“One of the earliest ideas in [Season 5] is, ‘What if Will were able to harness this connection and use it against our villains?’” said co-creator Ross Duffer.
Meanwhile, the episode also revealed that the person the military had imprisoned was not Vecna, but Kali Prasad, also known as Eight. She is the only other surviving test subject from Hawkins Lab, last seen in a standalone Season 2 episode. Her return introduces a powerful ally with the ability to create realistic illusions, which could be key in the final battle.
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The Imprisoned Girls and Vecna’s Fear
Inside Vecna’s mind, Max and Holly have met. Max explains that they are prisoners within Vecna’s memories. During their time there, Max made a critical discovery: Vecna is terrified of a certain cave and cannot enter it. This fear is rooted in canon from the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which reveals that a young Henry Creel first traveled to the Upside Down from that very cave.
This weakness could become a pivotal tool for the heroes. With Max and Holly’s firsthand knowledge and Kali’s power to manipulate visions, the group may have found a way to psychologically attack Vecna.
The Road to the Finale on New Year’s Eve
With the release of Volume 2 on December 25 and the finale on December 31, the story is rushing toward its conclusion. The episode titles for the remaining chapters—Chapter Five: “Shock Jock,” Chapter Six: “Escape from Camazotz,” and Chapter Seven: “The Bridge”—hint at the escalating action. The series finale is titled Chapter Eight: “The Rightside Up”.
The solo Vecna episode will land in the middle of this sequence, offering a pause in the main battle to explore the villain’s origins. This narrative choice allows the show to flesh out Henry Creel’s transformation into Vecna just as the characters prepare for their last stand against him.
The final battle will require the entire party. As the official season synopsis states, “To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time”.
Also Read: Netflix Shares Joe Keery’s Hilarious Blooper Moments from Stranger Things Season 5
Credits: Netflix Tudum
