Introduction

Steve Harrington, a fan-favorite in Stranger Things, has gone through a tremendous growth curve since Season 1. He started as a self-centered lover boy with narcissistic traits, but became a protective big brother to the kids. His growth came with risks—Steve has nearly died many times – from fighting Demogorgons to battling Russian agents, and always putting himself in danger. This article looks at all the times Steve almost didn’t make it out alive.

Near-Death Experiences by Season

Season 1: The Demogorgon Encounter

Steve’s first significant brush with danger happens in Stranger Things Season 1. At first, he seems to be living in his own world, more concerned with his relationship with Nancy Wheeler than the supernatural horrors unfolding in Hawkins. However, by the season’s climax, he finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos.

  • In Episode 8 (“The Upside Down”), Steve returns to Nancy’s house just as she and Jonathan Byers are preparing to face off against the Demogorgon.
  • Instead of running away, Steve unexpectedly joins the fight, preparing his now-iconic spiked baseball bat.
  • The Demogorgon breaks into the house, and Steve nearly gets attacked but manages to escape thanks to Jonathan’s quick thinking and the creature’s distraction.
  • If not for the creature being lured into a trap, Steve could have been killed on the spot in season 1 episode 8.

Also read: Who died in Stranger Things and how?

Season 2: The Fight with Billy & The Demodogs

Steve’s near-death experiences ramp up in Stranger Things 2, as he takes on a much more active role in protecting the kids.

  • The Billy Fight (Episode 9: “The Gate”)
    • Billy Hargrove, an aggressive new antagonist, confronts Steve at the Byers’ house.
    • After a heated argument, Billy beats Steve to a pulp, knocking him unconscious.
    • If Max hadn’t intervened by drugging Billy, Steve’s life would be hanging by thread, suffering more than just a brutal beating.

Also read: Why fans love Steve Harrington so much?

  • The Demodog Attack (Episode 9: “The Gate”)
    • Steve goes along with Dustin and the kids into the tunnels beneath Hawkins, that’s filled with creepy, crawling Demodogs.
    • They narrowly escape as the creatures close in, with Steve using his bat to fend them off.
    • The group barely makes it out alive, with Steve shielding the kids from potential death.

Season 3: Russian Interrogation & The Battle at Starcourt Mall

Steve’s luck doesn’t improve in Stranger Things 3, as he finds himself in the hands of dangerous Russian operatives and facing off against the Mind Flayer.

  • Russian Interrogation (Episode 6: “E Pluribus Unum”)
    • Steve and Robin get captured while snooping around Starcourt Mall’s secret Russian facility.
    • The Russians interrogate them, brutally beating Steve for information.
    • He is drugged and tortured, leaving him physically weakened.
    • If not for Dustin and Erica Sinclair’s clever rescue, Steve might not have survived.

  • The Mind Flayer Battle (Episode 8: “The Battle of Starcourt”)
    • Steve helps drive the getaway car as the group flees from the monstrous Mind Flayer.
    • The creature smashes into their vehicle, nearly killing everyone inside.
    • Later, Steve fights alongside the others inside Starcourt Mall as the Mind Flayer rampages through.
    • He narrowly avoids being crushed or torn apart, escaping with only minor injuries.

Season 4: The Upside Down Attack & The Vecna Battle

Steve’s most harrowing near-death experiences occur in Stranger Things 4, where he spends significant time in the Upside Down.

  • The Upside Down Bat Attack (Episode 6: “The Dive”)
    • Steve is dragged through the water gate and into the Upside Down.
    • As soon as he emerges, he is swarmed by terrifying bat-like creatures.
    • The creatures bite into him, wrapping their tails around his neck in an attempt to choke him.
    • If Nancy, Robin, and Eddie hadn’t rushed to save him, Steve could have died from his injuries.

  • The Vecna Battle (Episode 9: “The Piggyback”)
    • Steve joins Nancy and Robin in a direct assault on Vecna’s lair in the Upside Down.
    • As they prepare to take down Vecna, the house starts collapsing around them.
    • The monstrous vines restrain Steve and his friends, nearly strangling him.
    • Nancy manages to break free and shoot Vecna, preventing the vines from killing them all.

Steve’s Survival Skills & Luck

Despite having no supernatural abilities or advanced combat training, Steve has managed to survive countless life-threatening encounters. His survival can be attributed to several key factors:

  • Quick Thinking: Steve may not always have a plan, but he reacts fast in dangerous situations.
  • Bravery: Even when terrified, he steps up to protect his friends, especially the younger kids.
  • Loyalty: His willingness to put himself in danger for others is a huge part of why he’s survived—because he always has backup.
  • Sheer Luck: Let’s be honest—Steve has survived situations where others might not have been so lucky.

Conclusion: Will Steve’s Luck Run Out?

As we head into Stranger Things Season 5, one major question looms: Will Steve Harrington make it out alive? His track record of surviving near-fatal experiences is impressive, but the final season could be the one where his luck finally runs out. Given that the Duffer Brothers have teased that major characters will die, fans are worried that Steve might be on the chopping block.

What do you think? Will Steve survive Stranger Things Season 5, or is his fate sealed? Let us know your thoughts!