Netflix’s Stranger Things has become a global phenomenon since the not-so-quiet town of Hawkins first crept its way into our hearts in 2016. The intriguing supernatural premise set to the backdrop of eighties nostalgia was not only a labor of love for series creators The Duffer Brothers, but a proven recipe for success, as now it's hard to go anywhere without seeing glimpses of the Upside Down.
Like any mammoth entertainment property, Stranger Things has now stretched well beyond its humble streaming begins - the gang has now been firmly cemented in novels, comic books, tabletop RPGs, and of course video games. While fans haven’t gotten an ambitious triple-A adventure just yet, there have been plenty of strange original titles, and exciting crossovers to play.
9 The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross
Originally launched in March 2020, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross is a mobile RPG available to IOS and Android users. The anime-inspired game lets fans experience adventures in the show's world through a skill-based card battle system.
As one of Netflix's most critically acclaimed anime originals, a collaboration with Stranger Things was certainly an effective capitalization of synergy by the streaming service. The limited-time event ran from April 27 - May 11, 2021, and let players step into the shoes of Eleven, Will, Mike, and Hopper. While it definitely had its limitations, this unique crossover gave fans a unique cinematic experience, interesting bonus rewards, and brought an exciting anime flare into the Upside Down.
8 Rocket League
Psyonix's already successful Rocket League only propelled further in popularity after going free to play in September 2020. The title is now considered one of the best multiplayer games on the market, as well as having a commanding presence in the eSports scene. The rocket-powered soccer game has collaborated with several other gaming and pop culture franchises over the years, including Stranger Things.
In October 2019, to celebrate Halloween the game transported its Farmstead Arena into the Upside Down, complete with a terrifying Mind Flayer overseeing all the action. During the event, players could compete in matches to earn candy corn in return for Autumn themed cosmetics, including some top-secret wares developed in the Hawkins National Laboratory.
7 The VR Experience
With VR still being a fairly new concept, new content is always exciting especially when it's free. Stranger Things: The VR Experience allowed players to visit the Byers Christmas decoration clad household, getting more intimate than ever with the town of Hawkins.
Walking through the house with only a motion-controlled flashlight in hand, you'll see familiar easter eggs from the show while experiencing some strange phenomena before eventually being greeted by the Demogorgon. Overall, the short game isn't anything groundbreaking, but it's a nice showcase of VR capabilities that fans of the show will surely enjoy.
6 Minecraft
With seemingly endless possibilities, Minecraft has some of the best reply value in gaming. The sandbox construction title allows players to flex their creative muscles and build to their heart's content. Now over a decade since its initial release, the game has become one of the most globally well-known, and developers Mojang Studios are still thinking of new, engaging ways to captivate their player base.
Crossovers have been injecting new life and excitement into Minecraft for years. Back in 2017 following Stranger Things' breakout success, the main cast was added into the mix in the form of skin packs. Unfortunately, there still hasn't been an official map added but taking charge of your favorite character is still a good time.
5 Fortnite
chief hopper fortnite skin
Fortnite has become known for having some of the best crossover skins in gaming, and in 2019 Stranger Things got the treatment when Chief Hopper and the Demogorgon were included in the Battle Royale during the Fortnite X Stranger Things crossover event.
The event took place in the interest of promoting the highly anticipated third season of the show. It featured Upside Down portals across the map, that if stepped into would transport the player to another portal elsewhere on the map. The fan-favorite Chips Ahoy ice cream store was also included for players to visit on the way to their victory royale.
4 Stranger Things: The Game
The first mobile interaction of the series came when Stranger Things: The Game was released in October 2017 to IOS and Android users. The gameplay is a classic beat-em-up adventure where the player can take control of seven playable characters, (namely Hopper, Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Eleven, and Nancy) in a non-canon storyline that takes place between the first and second seasons of the show.
The retro-style 16bit title has perhaps been the most fitting adaption of the show so far, emulating the popular NES games of the period - truly taking players back to the 80s, giving them the chance to explore various locations in Hawkins and uncover an enticing mystery along the way.
3 Stranger Things 3: The Game
Developers BonusXP's follow-up to their aforementioned mobile-exclusive title came in the form of the aptly named Stranger Things 3: The Game. Launching in correlation with the release of season three, this installment features a playable version of the show's plotline, as well as a fresh set of side quests to embark on.
Players can take control of all the same characters as the previous game and then some with the additions of Joyce and Jonathan. Local co-op support is also included allowing fans and their friends to take on the Mind Flayer together. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the title was pulled from digital storefronts in August 2021 but is still available to anyone who had previously purchased the title.
2 Smite
One of the latest franchise crossover's came when the Upside Down took over the battleground of High Rez Studios' mythical inspired MOBA, Smite. The alternative dimension seeped its way into the games Roman Colisuam map, and skins of Eleven, Hopper, The Demogorgon, and The Mind Flayer all became available for players to obtain through the exclusive Smite x Stranger Things Battle Pass.
As a combat-focused title, Smite has undoubtedly delivered one of the most fun video game iterations of the show to date. Despite the time-limited event, Fans can still get their hands on the skins, and enjoy wreaking havoc as the monstrous Mind Flayer or unleash Eleven's mighty telekinetic powers on the opposing team.
1 Dead By Daylight
Behavioral Interactive's captivating survival game, Dead By Daylight has become one of the most celebrated multiplayer titles available in recent years thanks to its intriguing gameplay loop that pits a team of up to four survivors against one ruthless killer. Since its initial release, Dead By Daylight has featured a number of popular horror franchises by injecting familiar freaky faces into the game.
With its big emphasis on supernatural horror, a Stranger Things crossover seemed inevitable, and in August 2019 fans were finally treated to one. Steve and Nancy were added to the survivor pool and the Demogorgon became available as a killer. Stepping into the first-person shoes of the interdimensional creature to mercilessly hunt down survivors is an adrenaline-fueled experience while using Steve and Nancy's unique perks to outwit the killer can be a tense thrill ride. Fans will have to be hasty though if they're keen to dive in as the DLC is only staying in digital storefronts until November, 2021.
NEXT: Dead By Daylight: Tips For Playing As Demogorgon