Heading into the second part of Stranger Things 5, Steve Harrington fans had a sinking feeling the Duffer Brothers were going to ruin Christmas by killing the show’s most beloved character. Sure, there was also fear and theories about other characters who could be in danger, but it was Steve who was at the forefront of the fans’ minds, with endless videos online expressing fears about Steve dying in the Christmas Day episodes.
The fear was understandable, as there is an expectation that a big death could be coming before the series finale, and the death of Steve would be one that would impact nearly every character. Aside from the adults of the show, Steve has strong ties to the teen and “kid” group of the show, so his death would impact more than just a character or two. It’s a death that would carry a lot of weight, and serve to further incentivize the team as they enter their final battle with Vecna.
If you can’t bear to wait until the final moments of episode 7 to know whether Steve lives or dies, we’re here to supply you with the answer to your biggest burning question. Can you enjoy the episodes without fear that Steve will join the likes of Barb, Eddie, and Billy in the Roane Hill Cemetery, or is Christmas canceled?
Steve does not die in Stranger Things 5 part 2
Let’s just get this right out of the way: no, Steve does not die in Stranger Things 5 part 2. Our sweet babygirl lives to see the series finale and makes it out of the latest batch of episodes without any harm. In fact, Steve doesn’t really even find himself in any near-death moments across the episodes. The closest thing he comes to direct danger comes in episode 6.
At one point in the episode, Steve and Dustin are trying to race to the roof of Hawkins Lab in the Upside Down to reach Jonathan and Nancy. The pair make their way up to the roof as they observe the building around them seeming to melt in on itself. The pair reach a roadblock when their path up is obstructed by a portion of the floor having melted away.
Steve finds a ladder and devises a plan to use it to bridge the gap. He prepares to climb on the ladder, but Dustin grabs him and says he can’t deal with him dying. Dustin tells him to stop being so reckless as he begins crying about not letting it happen again as he tearfully tells Steve he can’t lose him. They embrace as the ladder falls through the floor.
Had Dustin not stopped Steve at that moment, could have very well fallen to his death or at the very least been severely injured. Thankfully, Dustin stepped in and helped to save Steve’s life in the process.
Outside of that moment, Steve doesn’t come close to direct danger, so now we just have to wait to see what the finale will hold. We’re hoping Steve will make it out of the show alive, but with one super-sized episode left and the battle with Vecna to save the world upon us, there’s no telling who may live or die.