The most likely characters to survive Stranger Things 5

As we approach the much-anticipated Season 5, the stakes have never been higher—the Upside Down is stronger than ever, Vecna is still out there, and Hawkins is on the brink of destruction.  While some characters are clearly in danger, others have a better chance of surviving the chaos. Take Max for example or Steve. It feels like anyone might leave us any moment.

We have found out the characters that might likely make it alive in Stranger Things season 5.  Here’s the list of characters.  

1. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown)

Eleven (El) is the heart and soul of Stranger Things—her powers have been the key to fighting every major threat from the Upside Down. Even though she’s always in danger, killing her off would completely change the show’s tone. Since Stranger Things is Netflix’s biggest series, it’s unlikely they’d end it by permanently losing their main hero.

Here’s why Eleven will not die in season 5:

• She has the strongest connection to the Upside Down.
• The final battle will probably revolve around her.
• If she died, it would take attention away from wrapping up other storylines.

That doesn’t mean she’ll make it out unharmed, though. She could get badly hurt or even lose her powers again for a while. Another possibility is a bittersweet ending where she leaves Hawkins to find peace or a breakup with Mike for good. 

But one thing’s for sure—El will most likely survive the fight against Vecna.

2. Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard)

Mike has been one of the most important characters since Season 1. His relationship with Eleven is a huge part of the show, and he doesn’t seem like the type to make some big, tragic sacrifice. He’s more of the hopeful, loyal leader who keeps the group together.

Here’s why he’ll likely survive:

• He represents hope and is the emotional center of the group.
• There’s no big unfinished story that would lead to his death.
• He helps balance out the scarier moments by being a relatable, normal kid.

In Season 5, Mike will probably help rally the team against Vecna, but he’s not the type to die in some heroic moment. If anything, he might get a quieter ending—maybe showing how life goes on after all the chaos. But one way or another, Mike’s probably sticking around till the end.

3. Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo)

Dustin is the perfect mix of brains and humor – he keeps the group laughing while also helping solve their biggest problems. The show rarely kills off beloved, lighthearted characters like him, especially ones who help keep everyone’s spirits up during tough times.

Here’s why he’s almost definitely safe:

• His clever ideas often save the day (remember the sensory deprivation tank?)
• There haven’t been any dark hints about his character dying

While Dustin might get hurt or face some scary close calls in Season 5, he’ll probably make it through. In fact, with all his crazy Hawkins experiences, he might end up becoming the town’s most famous storyteller after everything’s over. That brain and that smile aren’t going anywhere!

4. Steve Harrington (Joe Keery)

Steve “The Hair” Harrington has cheated death more times than anyone can count – from getting his face clawed by a Demogorgon to barely escaping Vecna’s curse. His journey from popular jerk to lovable babysitter and hero feels like it’s building toward a happy ending, not a sad one.  

Here’s why Steve’s probably safe:  

• He’s become everyone’s favorite character (who doesn’t love mom Steve?)  
• Killing him now would just upset fans without helping the story  
• He’s basically the group’s bodyguard at this point  

Most likely, Steve will definitely be in the middle of the action, probably protecting the kids like always. But after surviving so much already, the writers will likely let him live – maybe even giving him a nice ending with Nancy (Of course this will not happen) or finally figuring out what he wants to do with his life. He deserves a happy ending!

5. Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke)

Robin may have only joined the gang in Season 3, but she’s quickly become one of the best parts of the show. Between her hilarious back-and-forth with Steve and her quick thinking that’s saved the group multiple times, she’s way too important to lose now.

Here’s why Robin’s safe:

• We still haven’t seen everything she can do (that brain needs more time to shine!)
• As one of the show’s only LGBTQ+ characters, her story feels important to keep telling
• She adds real heart to the group without being someone the writers would just kill off

While Robin will definitely face some scary moments in Season 5 (probably while cracking jokes the whole time), she’ll most likely make it through. The season might even give her more personal growth – maybe finally finding someone special or figuring out her future beyond Hawkins’ chaos. One thing’s for sure – the gang wouldn’t be the same without her!

6. Erica Sinclair (Priah Ferguson)

Erica has been stealing scenes since she first appeared – nobody talks trash or stands up to monsters quite like Lucas’s little sister. What started as comic relief has turned into a legit young hero who’s already helped save Hawkins multiple times.

Here’s why Erica’s survival is guaranteed in season 5:

• She’s proven she’s smarter than most adults (remember her D&D skills saving everyone?)
• The show wouldn’t go that dark with a kid character
• She could grow up to be Hawkins’ next generation of protector

In the final season, we’ll probably see Erica take on even bigger challenges – maybe even leading her own mission. While she’ll definitely face danger (and sass her way through it), this future legend isn’t going anywhere. The Upside Down should be scared of HER!

7. Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder)

Joyce Byers is basically the toughest mom in Hawkins – maybe even the world. She fought monsters, secret government agents, and even went all the way to Russia to save Hopper. After everything she’s been through since Season 1, nothing seems able to stop her when her family’s in danger.

Here’s why Joyce is definitely making it:

• She’s survived way too much to go out now
• Killing her would be too cruel after all she’s suffered
• She’s the heart of the show – the mom who never gives up

In Season 5, Joyce will probably be right in the middle of the action again, protecting her kids and helping save Hawkins. But when the dust settles, you can bet she’ll be there – maybe finally getting some peace with Hopper and her family. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s Joyce Byers!

8. Jim Hopper (David Harbour)

Hopper already pulled the ultimate fake-out death in Season 3 – and we’re not falling for that trick twice! After surviving a Russian prison and finally reuniting with Joyce, it would be pretty lame if the writers killed him off for real this time.

Here’s why Hopper might not succumb once again:

• That emotional reunion with Joyce needs to lead somewhere happy
• Someone’s gotta be the tough leader when monsters attack (and nobody does it better)
• He’s proven he’s basically unkillable at this point

In Season 5, expect Hopper to be front-and-center battling monsters, probably getting banged up but walking away alive. After everything he’s been through, the big guy deserves to finally enjoy some peace – maybe even with that cabin by the lake he always wanted. Just don’t make him shave that awesome beard again!

Possible Wild Cards

While the above characters are the safest bets, Stranger Things loves its twists. A few others may also survive, but their fates are harder to predict:

Character	Chances of Survival	Notes
Lucas Sinclair	High	Strong, loyal, and emotionally grounded.
Nancy Wheeler	Medium-High	Smart and resourceful, but often in the thick of danger.

Patterns from past seasons that indicate survival

1. Main emotional anchors usually survive – The show tends to protect characters who embody hope or emotional stability.

2. Fan favorites get plot armor – While no one is safe, heavily beloved characters often survive to keep audiences satisfied.
   
3. No repeat deaths for big characters – If someone has already had a near-death or fake-out death arc, they’re less likely to be killed again.

4. Story potential matters – characters with unresolved arcs are more likely to live so those arcs can conclude.

Death prediction meter – who has more probabilities to die in Stranger Things season 5?

While we talk about the survival game, let’s also see the possible deaths of Stranger Things characters.

Character	Death Probability	Why they might die in season 5?
Steve Harrington	Very likely / high (8–10/10)	Ranked #1 character who might have a heroic end in season 5. Him not having a stable partner cements the idea more.
Will Byers	Very high; often cited as most likely to die	Has higher chances to die. Story-closure arc; fans discuss sacrificial role.
Eleven	Mixed—possible heroic sacrifice	Might not die because even the Duffer brothers have dismissed rumors about Eleven’s death. Though the teaser hints at her disappearance.
Jonathan Byers	Medium—fickle odds	Thought to sacrifice himself for Will; Den of Geek lists him as moderately probable.
Max Mayfield	Medium—her fate uncertain	Already in coma. Has more chances to go all in than make it safely out again (50% or less chance).
Murray Bauman	Moderate to high chance	Many fans predict that comic relief adults are usually sacrificed at the end.
Mike Wheeler	Medium—would ignite emotional turn	Some fans foresee his death to motivate Eleven and spark finale events.

Final thoughts

Who Will Make It Through Stranger Things 5?  

Sure, Stranger Things loves to surprise us (and make us cry), but at its heart, it’s really about friendship and never giving up. While Season 5 will definitely have some tearjerker moments, some characters are just too important – either to the story or to our hearts – to lose for good.  

Based on everything we’ve seen so far, these are the characters most likely to survive the final battle:  

• Eleven (she’s the whole reason Hawkins is still standing)  
• Mike (the heart of the group)  
• Dustin (the brains and the jokes)  
• Steve (everyone’s favorite babysitter)  
• Robin (the quick-witted hero)  
• Erica (the tiny warrior)  
• Joyce (the toughest mom ever)  
• Hopper (who already cheated death once)