Find all the connections from previous seasons and 'The First Shadow' play that may help you connect the dots as you watch 'Stranger Things 5' Vol. 2

The play reveals that the cave system was where Henry first ventured to Dimension X — now dubbed "The Abyss" in Stranger Things. That's the alternate dimension where the Mind Flayer and Demogorgons are from, as opposed to the Upside Down, which Volume 2 reveals is a bridge connecting the Abyss to our world.

Stranger Things returns on Netflix with its Season 5, Volume 2. It dropped its episodes 5-7, ahead of its big finale on December 31, 2025. Volume 2 will follow the group in Hawkins going against the Upside Down to reveal the show's main villain between Vecna and the Mind Flayer.

The first clip for Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 has arrived – and Joyce is feeling a little overzealous. However, after the ending of volume 1 episode 4... we can't really blame her.

The wait for the next three episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 in the 2025 TV schedule is nearly over, and fans with a Netflix subscription will have the option of celebrating Christmas with some supernatural scares straight out of the Upside Down.

Review: The explanations get complicated as the Hawkins campaign figures out a plan against Vecna in Stranger Things: Season 5, Vol. 2.