Max Mayfield has always been a fan favorite in Stranger Things. Her blunt honesty, courage, and the close bond she shares with the main cast make her one of the most beloved characters. But the end of Season 4 left fans devastated—Max fell into a coma after being attacked by Vecna, trapped in a strange, otherworldly space.

With the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 now released, fans are desperate to know: Is Max still alive? Will she wake up and help her friends save Hawkins? Here’s everything you need to know about Max’s current state and what might happen next.

 Spoiler Warning: This guide contains spoilers from Stranger Things Season 5.

What Happened to Max in Stranger Things 5?

As of Episode 4, the part 1 finale, Max has not yet awakened from her coma. However, this does not mean she’s gone or that hope is lost. In fact, her mind is very much active, navigating the strange and dangerous world that Vecna has trapped her in.

Meanwhile, Holly Wheeler becomes central to Max’s storyline. After befriending Henry Creel/Vecna—who is posing as “Mr. Whatsit”—Holly is kidnapped by Demogorgons. At first, it’s unclear where she has been taken. When viewers next see her, she’s at a bright, beautiful property, promised pancakes for breakfast—a setting that seems safe but is, in fact, Henry’s main headquarters.

Henry, or “Mr. Whatsit,” appears to be grooming Holly as his next “Vessel,” similar to Will, using kindness and affection to earn her trust. He gives her one strict rule: never wander through the woods.

Holly’s Mysterious Letter

One day, Holly receives a letter in the mailbox while Henry is away. The letter instructs her to meet at a cave marked on a map on the other side of the woods. Naturally, Holly is confused—Henry explicitly forbade her from going there.

However, the mailbox has previously been used by Henry to communicate with Holly, give gifts, and build trust. So when Holly sees the letter, she assumes it’s genuine. Following the map, she reaches the cave—and discovers that the letter wasn’t from Henry at all. It was Max!

This is the first major confirmation in Season 5 that Max’s consciousness is intact, even though her physical body remains unconscious. Max’s mind is actively navigating Henry’s memories, looking for a way to survive and communicate with the outside world.

Where Exactly are Max and Holly Wheeler

Max explains that she has been wandering through Henry’s memories, trying to escape him. The music her friends play in the real world is guiding her, helping her navigate this dangerous mental landscape. While she hasn’t fully escaped yet, she has come close, showing that her efforts are slowly paying off.

During her flight, Max discovered a cave at the edge of the woods. This cave became her sanctuary, a place where she could survive without being pursued by Henry. She even personalized the space, fearing it might be her permanent home. But Holly’s arrival changes everything.

With Holly now in the memory world, Max reveals that the “third door,” or her route of escape, has reopened. Together, Max and Holly begin planning a strategy. Holly will travel back to Henry’s house without raising suspicion, while the two of them work together to escape—forming what could become a powerful new duo.

The DND Connection

Stranger Things has always linked Dungeons & Dragons to its characters’ powers, and Holly’s potential is hinted at through a clever DND reference. Observing her fear, her older brother Mike gifts Holly a DND miniature, naming her “Holly the Heroic”. In the DND lore, her character is a Cleric who can heal herself and others, and crucially, cast the Dimension Door spell—which allows her to open a doorway to another plane of existence.

While it might seem like a small, sweet moment, in Stranger Things, DND references often foreshadow real plot points. This was seen in Season 4 when Will unlocked new powers over the Demogorgons after a conversation with Mike, highlighting his innate abilities as a Sorcerer.

If the foreshadowing holds true for Holly, she could play a pivotal role in rescuing both herself and Max from Vecna’s memory prison. Max herself confirms that the third door has reopened with Holly’s presence, strongly suggesting that Holly’s “Dimension Door” ability could help them escape.

What This Means for Max

While Max remains in a coma in the real world, her consciousness is active and resilient. She’s survived Henry’s memories, found a sanctuary, and is now working with Holly to plan an escape. Fans can expect a thrilling rescue arc that could finally see Max wake up, return to her body, and play a crucial role in the fight to save Hawkins.

With Holly potentially unlocking the “Dimension Door” and Max leading the way through Henry’s memories, their team-up could become one of the most exciting storylines of Season 5.

In short: Max is alive, her mind is active, and with Holly’s arrival, the path to freedom is finally opening. Fans have reason to be hopeful—Max’s awakening and her return to the real world may be just around the corner.