Stranger Things Season 4 Vol. 2: Everything We Know So Far

The clock is ticking. Volume 2 of "Stranger Things" season 4 is just around the corner, and a lot is about to go down in the upcoming installment, considering the big reveal at the end of Volume 1. Netflix has released a bunch of new images for Volume 2, which hint at several potential plot points and whether certain characters make it out alive (or not).

The Duffer Brothers previously stated that fans should not expect a happy ending at the end of season 4, as the stakes now are higher than ever, and some characters might just meet the end of the road this season. As the gang grows bigger, with too many characters to keep stock of, one can expect a character or too to meet their demise while fighting Vecna, who seems to be too powerful for the Hawkins gang at the moment.

Apart from checking out the exclusive new images below, let us dive into everything we know about "Stranger Things" season 4, volume 2 so far, and how the plot could potentially pick up after the volume 1 grand finale. 

However, be warned, there are major spoilers ahead for season 4 of "Stranger Things" ahead.

Volume 1 ended with the reveal that Vecna is actually Henry Creel, who is also One (Jamie Campbell Bower), Dr. Brenner's (Matthew Modine) patient zero at Hawkins National Laboratory. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) learns the essential truth about her past, including how she defeated One and created the portal to the Upside Down in the process, and by extension, One's transformation into Vecna.

Nancy (Natalia Dyer) finds herself trapped under Vecna's spell in the final episode, and the latter seems to be deriving pleasure out of finally revealing the truth about his identity to her. While the rest of the gang frantically tries to bring Nancy back to reality, volume 1 ends on a cliffhanger, with Nancy's fate up in the air.

However, as the image above suggests, Nancy seems to be alright (at least not under Vecna's spell at the moment), as the adults are reunited with some of the kids back in Hawkins, on the verge of hatching a grand plan to defeat the big baddie terrorizing them and the town. Here's also an image of Max (Sadie Sink) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) sharing a sweet moment:

Netflix

Hopefully, Max will make it out okay in the end (can she Kate Bush her way out of imminent death again?), along with the others Vecna has specifically targeted as a part of his nefarious plan. As a time jump is expected at some point in volume 2, we might see the cast better prepared to fight this formidable threat while banding together. 

The Russia storyline in season 4 has been resolved to a certain extent, of course. Hopper (David Harbor) has finally been reunited with Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Murray (Brett Gelman), with Dmitri (Tom Wlaschiha) joining them, as you can see in the image above. However, there could still be danger lurking around the corner, as the previous episodes hinted at the Russians experimenting on monsters from the Upside Down in their base, and the gang here might have to fight their way out of the predicament they're currently in.

Meanwhile, the part of the gang in Lenora Hills, who are currently making their way to El's location, will return in volume 2 to reach their destination and rescue her. Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Will (Noah Schnapp), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), and Argyle (Eduardo Franco) will undoubtedly play a role in bringing Eleven to Hawkins, hence reuniting with the rest of the gang. Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, and Joseph Quinn will obviously be reprising their roles to try and put an end to the horror that grips Hawkins once and for all.

Here's an image of Robin, Steve, and Eddie together (at least they look kinda happy and safe here): 

Netflix

While it is unclear whether Robert Englund will be returning as Victor Creel at all, it would indeed be a treat to watch him assume the role again, if it helps further the narrative in a meaningful way. Campbell-Bower will obviously be busy terrorizing kids again as Vecna, and part of his grand plan has already been revealed, and volume 2 can grant in-depth answers regarding his endgame when it comes to the core characters.

According to the sneak-peek released for volume 2, Vecna is just getting started with Eleven, who might just have regained her abilities after learning the truth about the past. We also see Hopper looking at what looks like different monsters displayed in glass cases inside a room, which could shed further light on the reasons they've been kept around for experimentation purposes.

There are also shots of a semi-liquid matter swirling inside a tank, which cannot be good news for anyone involved. Are there other creatures ready to be unleashed apart from Vecna, who is already such an overwhelming threat to go up against for the main gang? There are several threads that require resolution, such as the reason why time stands still in the Upside Down, how exactly Vecna got his powers as a child, and what his grand scheme is when it comes to opening mini gates in the Upside Down.

A Hopper and Eleven reunion is long due, and while this is bound to be emotional, the darker tone of volume 2 could potentially lead to surprise deaths and devastating plot developments. No one is safe, and anything can happen.

Volume 2 of "Stranger Things" season 4 will premiere on July 1, 2022. The season finale is expected to be 2 hours, 20 minutes long, which is fitting, as the show has a lot of ground to cover.