With Stranger Things season 4 setting up an uncertain future for Max Mayfield, one returning location could be the key to saving her next season. The show first debuted in 2016, and after four great installments, Stranger Things season 5 will conclude the main story. While there is plenty of spinoff potential and other possible narratives to explore in this detailed universe, the central characters deserve a definitive ending, but Max’s fate is still up in the air after Stranger Things season 4 part 2’s ending. However, one returning location could be the key to saving her.

Max has been a key character since her introduction in season 2, but her story reached a big turning point during last season’s conclusion. After the death of her brother, Max began suffering disturbing hallucinations which led to her being cursed by Vecna. She had several run-ins with the evil entity, but her final encounter in season 4’s finale was almost fatal. Max was used as bait to allow the rest of the group to stop Vecna’s plans, but this backfired, leaving her in a coma which means the final showdown’s location could be key to Max’s season 5 survival.

Stranger Things Set Photos Confirm Season 5 Will Return To The Creel House

Stranger Things Season 5 Looks Set To Return To An Important Location

The final encounter between Max and Vecna took place in the Creel House which looks set to return in Stranger Things season 5. Recent set photos emerged online, confirming that Stranger Things season 5 will film at the iconic Creel House. In The Upside Down, Vecna uses the location as his base of operations, and it was revealed in the season 4 finale that this is the site of the final curse gate, making it a significant part of the show’s lore. More importantly, this is where Max loses consciousness after her near-death experience with Vecna.

These recent photos indicate that the Creel House will once again be a pivotal part of the story and that the main characters will likely return here at some point next season. While the exact reason for this is unknown, it seems like it could have something to do with Max’s potentially fast Stranger Things season 5 return. If she was going to be killed off, the show would likely have pulled the trigger in season 4’s finale rather than leaving this in doubt, meaning the return of the Creel House may play a big part in her survival.

Returning To The Scene Of Max’s Encounter With Vecna Could Be The Key To Saving Her

Max’s Survival Could Rely On The Main Group Returning To The Creel House

Given the location’s importance, it may not be a huge surprise that season 5 will feature the Creel House, but this could be key to saving Max. With Max’s consciousness missing, the rest of the main characters may have to retrace their steps in order to revive her. Naturally, the Creel House may hold some clues as to what exactly happened to Max and how the group can save her, which would explain the location’s return. Even if the house itself doesn’t provide the answers, it could point the group in the right direction and offer some guidance.

Alternatively, the group may have to return there to confront Vecna. With the gates now open, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume Vecna may emerge in the Creel House, meaning the main cast may head there to try and stop him. Considering how complex Stranger Things‘ lore is, defeating Vecna may be the only way to save Max, reinforcing the house’s significance to next season’s plot. The location has been a key part of the series so far, and with the confirmation of Stranger Things season 5 filming here, it seems likely it will be tied to saving Max.