In contrast to past seasons of Stranger Things, the season 4 conclusion strongly suggested that the series' plot was not yet complete. Despite its numerous problematic plot holes, Stranger Things season 3 finished on a conclusive note that, if not for the stinger's reveal that Hopper was still alive, may have served as a series conclusion. The Upside Down began to seep out and take over the town of Hawkins as Stranger Things season 4 finished on a cliffhanger with the gang getting ready to fight Vecna once more.
The Stranger Things season 4 conclusion made it plain that Eleven was unable to defeat Vecna despite briefly succeeding in doing so, setting up their last confrontation in season 5 between them. When Steve, Robin, and Nancy left Creel house to look for Vecna's remains, the Stranger Things season 4 villain's body was nowhere to be discovered, in the manner of classic slasher films. Additionally, Vecna was more powerful than ever as a result of the house's clock striking four times, the disastrous gate opening across Hawkins, and Max's technically, though momentarily, temporary death, which led to the Upside Down merging with the town in the finale's last seconds. Eleven felt defeated by Vecna's ability to use his victims' worst memories against them as a weapon.