Stranger Things Official Summer 2026 Return Splits Fans

Next month marks the 10-year anniversary of Stranger Things’ arrival on Netflix, but with the hit show coming to an end back in December, it seems as though companies are still using its popularity to make some cash, whether we like it or not. However, with the sci-fi showing being one of Netflix’s most successful projects, it is no wonder that fans are still searching for ways to stay immersed in the sci-fi world, whether that is through extra episodes or an animated spin-off.

However you choose to immerse yourself in the world of Stranger Things, there is probably something to suit you, but one recent release has left fans feeling disappointed, and I can’t help but see why.

Credit: Netflix

Stranger Things Arcade offers exactly what it says on the tin by allowing players to hit the machines and “invites players of all ages to battle Demogorgons, Demobats, Demodogs, and Vecna himself,” according to the official press statement, at least. Created by Raw Fury, Stranger Things Arcade allows 1-4 players to team up to enjoy an arcade game like any other in the Upside Down, as well as experience everything from the show’s characters to its setting and haunting soundtrack. “Engineered for maximum uptime, the cabinet boasts the proprietary Thrill-Scan™ ball sensing system for pinpoint accuracy. Hang out with the gang in Hawkins!”

On the surface, it looks pretty cool and the machine itself is quite a beast, featuring all the familiar characters and villains of Stranger Things with the brightly lit design we all expect from an arcade addition. It would be a way for fans to get their own revenge on the likes of Vecna, but it seems as though Stranger Things Arcade has been as much of a letdown as the show’s final season.

This comes courtesy of one user over on r/StrangerThings who recently shared their experience with Stranger Things Arcade. “Anyone else highly disappointed with this game?” They asked. “Thought I was going to be able to shoot some Demogorgons, but instead I threw balls at them.”

Now, it is worth noting that Stranger Things Arcade does describe itself as being “a high-energy, ball-throwing quest”, but I would also agree with this user that throwing balls at Vecna is probably not going to achieve very much and could definitely feel a little underwhelming. However, I have not played the arcade game, so I cannot comment.

Image shows Will at an arcade in season two of Stranger Things

Nevertheless, people took to the comments to share their thoughts on Stranger Things Arcade. “I’ve actually never heard of this game in my life,” one user said simply. However, another user has some experience with the game, saying, “It’s so silly. You just throw little foam balls at circles. We made the mistake of grabbing 5+ at a time and throwing them all at once. Once the game starts, it blocks you from getting any of the balls back. So what you get at the start is all you’ll get all game.”

According to another user, Raw Fury is usually praised for making enjoyable arcade machines, but it seems as though this missed the mark. “Ball thrower?” They wrote. “I guess they ran out of ideas. Usually this company makes pretty good arcade machines. Like the Terminator, Walking Dead and Alien ones. I guess you can just make that many good arcade machines before you get a flop like this. Sad that the flop was a ST one.”

As always, it is worth making up your own mind when it comes to any form of entertainment out there, but if you are looking for a high-octane shooter set in the Stranger Things universe, you will probably not find it here.