Eleven & Vecna Return in Dead by Daylight After Stranger Things Finale

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Don't say your goodbyes just yet! The end of 2025 brought the world's eye to Stranger Things as the hit Netflix original came to a close. A decade after its start, Stranger Things is now at the center of debate as fans continue to dissect the show's epic (and controversial) finale. But before you give up on Eleven and the Hawkins gang, you should know the character is already set for an official comeback in 2026.

Yes, that is right. Eleven has their post-Stranger Things plans sorted, and the same goes for her worst enemy. Stranger Things announced its next plans for Eleven and Vecna as the two characters will soon live on through Dead by Daylight.

Eleven and Vecna Will Reunite in Dead by Daylight

According to Dead by Daylight, the game will soon launch its collaboration with Stranger Things Chapter 2, but you can go ahead and get an early taste if you'd like. The official collab will go live on January 27 for players, but right now, Steam's Public Test Build is giving fans a sneak-peek at Eleven's return. The character will rejoin Dead by Daylight as a healer while Vecna joins the game as a cold-blooded killer. And yes, the Stranger Things Chapter 2 collaboration will come complete with cosmetic items for all you Hawkins enthusiasts.

As you can imagine, Vecna's addition to Dead by Daylight hits a little harder in the wake of Stranger Things season five. The game will allow players to slip into Vecna, giving them access to the Upside Down's cursed power. Whether you want to warp the map's environment or trap players in Vecna's tendrils, Dead by Daylight will give you the chance to curse all the Survivors you want.

As for Eleven, the character will make their debut in Dead by Daylight alongside Dustin Henderson and returning characters Steve Harrington and Nancy Wheeler. Each character will come with their own unique abilities as usual, and you can bet Eleven's powers will rely on her psychic abilities. This new collaboration will also feature a slew of cosmetic offerings, as noted, including Legendary Outfits for Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley, and more.

Stranger Things' Finale Makes the Dead by Daylight All the More Important

Given the recent release of Stranger Things' series finale, this Dead by Daylight crossover could not be better timed. The fandom is reeling from the show's explosive finale given its tragic close. After all, for those of you who've watched the record-breaking finale, Stranger Things ends with Eleven's apparent death. Her absence is keenly felt in the show's final moments, but thanks to Dead by Daylight, fans will be able to reunite with the Stranger Things pair shortly.

“When Stranger Things first joined Dead by Daylight, it felt like a milestone,” the game's creative director, Dave Richard, shared with fans regarding its latest collab. “Seeing the franchise return—and evolve—is something special for us. This new Chapter doesn’t just celebrate the show, it deepens the connection between two worlds that share a love for nostalgia, mystery, and horror. The show may have wrapped, but we’re excited to give these characters the chance to continue their adventure in our game.”

Dead by Daylight: Stranger Things Chapter 2 is currently available on Steam (via the Public Test Build) ahead of its official launch January 27.