Stranger Things fans have always been fascinated by the mysteries of the Upside Down. Especially, there is curiosity about Hawkin’s version that exists in the alternate dimension. Who created it? Why is it stuck on November 6, 1983? These are the burning questions that need to be answered in the final season.

One popular fan theory suggests that Will Byers himself created the Upside Down’s version of Hawkins. While that may sound far-fetched, there is actually a surprising amount of evidence to back it up.

In Season 1, Will Byers is abducted by the Demogorgon and dragged into the Upside Down. He survived alone for a whole week before being rescued. Fans believe that during this time, Will unknowingly shaped the Hawkins he remembered in order to cope and stay hidden.

Nancy Wheeler’s Discovery in Season 4

A major clue comes from Stranger Things season 4, episode 7, “Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab.” While exploring the Upside Down, Nancy Wheeler searches her bedroom for a shotgun. But she quickly realizes that her room looks exactly as it did years ago.

She finds items that should no longer be there, like flashcards from Season 1. However, what confirmed her suspicion was her diary. The final entry in her diary was dated November 6, 1983, the day Will went missing.

This led people to question why the Upside Down’s Hawkins was frozen on that specific date? Could it be young Will who created the replica of Hawkins in order to hide and survive? It somehow became real within the dimension.

Will Byers Shaped Upside Down Hawkins Using Powers

Stranger Things: The First Shadow revealed that Henry Creel (who later became Vecna) was sent to a mysterious realm known as Dimension X. Upon returning, he developed supernatural powers and came under the influence of the Mind Flayer.

When Vecna fought with Eleven in 1979, he was not banished to the Upside Down — he was sent to Dimension X. This realm is entirely different from the Upside Down shown in previous seasons. It has an orange sky and there is nothing but barren land. Meanwhile, the Upside Down is an exact replica of Hawkins and has buildings, books, and objects inside these infrastructures.

That means someone else may have shaped the Hawkins replica. Most likely, it was Will who had control over the dimension during the week he was gone. If Henry could bend Dimension X to his will, it is possible Will did the same after being taken? It has already been hinted that Will Byers has powers like Eleven, which will be revealed in the final season.

The Parallels Between Vecna and Will Byers

There are striking parallels between Vecna and Will Byers. Both were young boys transported to another dimension. Both experienced trauma. It is possible that both shaped their surroundings through force of will.

Distinguishing between the Upside Down and Dimension X will be crucial to understanding the show’s deeper mythology.

Who do you think created the Upside Down? Share your theories in the comments below.