In Stranger Things, Max Mayfield has been in a coma/trance-like state for an extended time, after being targeted by none other than Vecna himself. This has left Max’s fate in limbo for a while now, with Season 5 only just revealing that she’s been surviving inside Henry’s mind prison, known as Camazotz.
However, as of the release of Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2, we now have a definitive answer for what happens to Max, and if she manages to get back to her physical body and wake up, or if she has perished in this attempt. Everything you’ll need to know about the current state of Max has been explained in the guide below.
SPOILER WARNING: This guide covers content that may be considered spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5. Proceed with caution.
Does Max Wake Up or Die in Stranger Things Season 5? Explained
Max’s fate has now finally been revealed in Stranger Things Season 5, and it has been confirmed that yes, she does manage to survive Vecna, escape Camazotz, and make it back to her physical body. This isn’t to say that this didn’t come without struggle, sacrifices, and drawbacks, though.
In fact, much of Max’s escape actually came at the hand of Holly, who was Mr. Whatsit’s first new vessel arrival in Camazotz. After making contact and gaining her trust, Holly worked with her as a double agent, looking for an escape. It actually ended up being Holly who worked out the final escape route by using Henry’s most traumatic memory as their pathway.
Both Holly and Max manage to reach the crimson ruined land where portals leading to their physical bodies await them. After a tearful goodbye and words of wisdom from Max to the younger girl, the two part ways and exit through the portals.
Thankfully, Max passed through her portal just in time to awaken back in her physical body in the hospital, which was being guarded from the Demos by Lucas. Max awoke surrounded by the people who care for her, from Lucas to Robin, and even Mrs. Wheeler.
Of course, this doesn’t come without any drawbacks, though. As Max has been in a coma-like state for so long, her body is incredibly weak when she wakes back up. She can barely move her body at all; it takes her a long time to adjust to the lights, and she ends up confined to a wheelchair as she regains the strength to use her limbs again.
What Does Max’s Condition Mean For the Stranger Things Finale?
Max’s condition doesn’t mean she won’t play a part in the final showdown with Vecna. As she has stated herself, she has spent over a year surviving inside Vecna’s mind prison, so she knows valuable information and how he operates. Furthermore, she feels a lot of guilt and remorse for having to split from Holly to run through their different portals, as Holly was recaptured after waking up in her body.
Because of this, she’s determined to do all she can to help ensure Holly’s survival. Just because she may not be there for the physical showdown does not mean that she won’t play a key part in the final fight against Vecna. After all, if there are moments that call for solving the ever-confusing puzzles of Camazotz to rescue the children from being vessels of Vecna, or thinking outside the box, Max is now the most capable of the bunch.
Between her insight, the powers of Eleven and Kali teaming up, and Will’s newfound confidence, plus the army of wits, bravery, and grit within the rest of the Hawkins gang…it’s going to be one heck of a final showdown.