Does Max die in Stranger Things?

Stranger Things season 4 was a trying experience for Max Mayfield. What was her fate coming out of it and will she be in season 5? Huge spoilers ahead.

Fans of Stranger Things have been traumatised by the fourth season of the Netflix series. Just over one month after the new installment gripped viewers around the world, the second volume of episodes premiered on the streaming service, resulting in mayhem for the fans.

One character that fans have been incredibly worried about is Max Mayfield. Having already had a run-in with Vecna in season 4, part 1 (which she survived thanks to some intervention from her friends and Kate Bush), the trailer for part 2 confirmed that she would cross paths with the monster from the Upside Down again.

*** This article contains MAJOR spoilers from Stranger Things season 4, part 2 ***

A lot went down in the second volume (and a lot of it was tragic!) and if you want to know what happens to Max in Stranger Things season 4 part 2, read on for a spoiler-filled breakdown, and what it means for season 5.

Did Max die in Stranger Things season 4 part 2?

While Max was alive at the end of Stranger Things season 4 part 2, she did technically die for a moment. Eleven managed to save her from Vecna’s curse but the creature had already done some irreversible damage to her, rendering her unable to feel or see anything. She then died in Lucas’ arms. That is, until Eleven used her newfound powers to bring her back.

How Eleven was able to do that, we don’t quite know. The Nina Project enhanced her telekinetic abilities and now it seems she has a host of new ones as well, including the ability to bring people back to life.

The fact that Max was technically dead for a few minutes means that Vecna’s fourth kill temporarily came to pass, and that was enough for the Upside Down to break its way through to Hawkins just like he predicted it would.

Will Max die in Stranger Things season 5?

Max may not be dead anymore but that doesn’t mean her fate isn’t up in the air. She’s currently in the hospital in a coma and when Eleven tried to enter her mind psychically, she couldn’t find Max in there.

Naturally, this raises questions about Max’s future on the show. While the show certainly didn’t bring her back without reason, fans will undoubtedly be concerned about her fate in the final season.

Here’s hoping that Eleven finds a way to reach her and Max bounces back in time to see Vecna fall in season 5.

Find out all you need to know about Stranger Things season 5 here.

What do you think will happen to Max in Stranger Things season 5? Let us know in the comments below!