Despite the team's efforts, Vecna technically wins the battle. Because Max died (even briefly), the fourth gate opened, causing a massive "earthquake" that tore through Hawkins.
The Season 4 finale, is a feature-length epic clocking in at nearly 2.5 hours. It serves as a devastating conclusion that fundamentally changes Hawkins forever and sets the stage for the final war in Season 5. 🌪️ The "Four-Phase" Plan Stranger Things - Season 4Eps9
Eleven uses a makeshift isolation tank in Nevada to psychically enter Max’s mind and fight Vecna from within. Major Deaths & Sacrifices Despite the team's efforts, Vecna technically wins the
Max technically dies for over a minute after Vecna snaps her limbs and blinds her. Eleven manages to restart her heart, but Max is left in a deep coma with her consciousness seemingly "empty". It serves as a devastating conclusion that fundamentally
The finale ends with Upside Down spores (the "snow") falling on a decaying Hawkins.
Steve, Nancy, and Robin infiltrate the Upside Down Creel House to destroy Vecna’s physical body with Molotov cocktails and shotguns.