Stranger Things has grown far beyond its television origins, expanding into comics, stage productions, merchandise, and virtual reality. Two major VR titles have been released so far: Stranger Things: The VR Experience (2017) and Stranger Things VR (2024). Each offers a different level of immersion and interactivity, reflecting both the evolution of VR technology and the franchise’s ongoing focus on atmosphere and emotional storytelling.
Stranger Things: The VR Experience (2017)
The first VR project, Stranger Things: The VR Experience, was developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released on 12 December 2017 exclusively for PlayStation VR. At the time, VR gaming was still an emerging medium, but Sony used the popularity of Stranger Things to demonstrate the technology’s potential.
This title functioned as a short, atmospheric exploration rather than a full game. It placed players in familiar environments from the show, such as the Byers’ living room and Hawkins Lab. The goal was to recreate the tone and visual style of the series—dim lighting, neon accents, and an emphasis on the eerie presence of the Upside Down. The first-person perspective allowed fans to experience these locations directly, making it an early example of using VR to extend a television property beyond passive viewing.
Stranger Things VR (2024)
On 22 February 2024, the franchise expanded further with the release of Stranger Things VR, developed by Tender Claws. Unlike the earlier experience, this is a full episodic game designed to deliver deeper interaction and storytelling.
Each episode explores a different part of the series’ mythology, giving players access to character perspectives and events that were not fully shown on screen. The game includes exploration of the Upside Down, interactive environmental elements, and sequences built around the psychological tension that defines the show. Visual distortions, shifting environments, and sound-based cues are used to enhance immersion and replicate the supernatural mechanics familiar to viewers.
Tender Claws describes the game as a “deep dive into the mind and motivations of key characters.” Rather than simply recreating scenes from the show, it aims to expand them, giving players a more direct emotional experience. The episodic structure mirrors the pacing of the TV series, encouraging ongoing engagement as new chapters are released.
Both VR titles focus on maintaining the emotional tone that has made Stranger Things successful. While the first experience was more limited in scope, it captured the show’s atmosphere through recognizable locations and visual cues. The 2024 game builds on that foundation by giving players agency within the narrative. Instead of watching events unfold, users participate in them—whether navigating dangerous environments, interacting with objects tied to the story, or encountering the threats present in the Upside Down.
Certain chapters of the 2024 game directly address themes of trauma, memory, and psychological conflict, demonstrating how VR can be used to explore story elements in ways that traditional media cannot. The medium allows players to feel the tension and stakes of the narrative more personally, which aligns with the show’s emphasis on character-driven drama.
The move into VR reflects a broader entertainment trend in which major franchises expand across multiple formats. Stranger Things, like Star Wars and The Last of Us, has developed a universe that supports storytelling beyond television. VR is a natural fit for a series built around mystery, exploration, and supernatural elements.
Future possibilities include multiplayer modes, additional story expansions, or new environments within Hawkins and the Upside Down. As VR technology improves, the potential for interactive storytelling grows, giving fans more ways to engage with the series.
With the fifth and final season scheduled for release in late 2025, VR content helps maintain interest and engagement in the franchise. Stranger Things VR functions not only as a game but also as a bridge between seasons, providing fans with deeper insight into the show’s world.
The Stranger Things VR projects demonstrate how the franchise continues to adapt and evolve. The 2017 experience introduced fans to a virtual version of Hawkins, while the 2024 episodic game expands the narrative and emotional depth of the series. Together, they illustrate how VR can supplement traditional storytelling by making the world of Stranger Things interactive, immersive, and accessible in new ways.
