As the highly-anticipated final season of Stranger Things approaches its premiere on November 26, 2025, the collaboration between the Netflix phenomenon and Fortnite has entered a new phase. Epic Games recently released a third wave of character skins, bringing fan-favorites Mike, Dustin, Will, Lucas, and the terrifying villain Vecna into the battle royale. While this addition was met with excitement, it also cast a spotlight on a notable and disappointing absence for many players: Max Mayfield. Despite the growing roster of characters from Hawkins, Indiana, this beloved character, who became a central figure and fan favorite after her introduction in the show's second season, remains conspicuously missing from the game. This has sparked a significant conversation within the community about which characters truly define the Stranger Things experience.

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The latest wave of skins has undeniably expanded Fortnite's Hawkins contingent. Players can now battle as the core friend group—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will—alongside the series' primary antagonist, Vecna. This builds upon previous collaborations that introduced iconic characters like Eleven, Hopper, and the Demogorgon. The inclusion of Vecna, in particular, adds a powerful and recognizable villain to the mix, perfect for embodying the show's supernatural threats. Yet, for a collaboration celebrating the series' conclusion, the current roster feels incomplete to a vocal segment of the fanbase. Is it truly a comprehensive Stranger Things experience without one of its most resilient and pivotal characters?

The omission of Max has not gone unnoticed. Across social media platforms like Reddit, fans have been vocal about their disappointment. Many see her absence as a significant missed opportunity, especially given her crucial role in the show's later seasons. Her character arc, marked by tremendous bravery and vulnerability, resonated deeply with audiences. This has led to widespread hope and speculation that a potential fourth wave of skins could finally bring Max, along with other missing characters, into the game. The community's desire is clear, but the question remains: will Epic Games listen?

The Current Roster: Who's In Hawkins?

Let's take a look at the Stranger Things characters currently available in Fortnite as of 2025:

Character Role in Series Season Introduced
Eleven Protagonist, psychic powerhouse Season 1
Hopper Chief of Police, father figure Season 1
Demogorgon Iconic monster from the Upside Down Season 1
Vecna Primary villain, psychic predator Season 4
Mike Wheeler Leader of the friend group Season 1
Dustin Henderson Tech-savvy and loyal friend Season 1
Lucas Sinclair Skeptical and brave friend Season 1
Will Byers The Boy Who Came Back Season 1

This table shows a strong foundation, covering the original party and major antagonists. However, it highlights a gap in representing characters who joined the story later but became integral to its heart.

The Missing Pieces of Hawkins

Max Mayfield is far from the only notable character absent from the Fortnite island. Her absence is part of a larger pattern that excludes several key fan-favorites:

  • Max Mayfield: The skater girl with a tough exterior and a tragic, heroic story arc. Her survival and struggle in Season 4 made her a symbol of resistance.

  • Nancy Wheeler: The investigative journalist and fierce fighter, often at the forefront of the action.

  • Steve Harrington: The beloved "babysitter" whose character evolution from popular jerk to heroic protector made him a fan favorite.

  • Robin Buckley: Steve's sharp-witted and loyal best friend, who provides both comic relief and intelligence.

  • Eddie Munson: The charismatic Metalhead and leader of the Hellfire Club, whose brief but impactful role in Season 4 left a lasting impression.

  • Jonathan Byers & Billy Hargrove: Other significant characters who have yet to receive the crossover treatment.

The lack of these characters, especially core members of the older teen group like Steve and Nancy, makes the in-game representation feel skewed toward the original kids and villains. Cosmetics like these are more than just visual flair; they are a way for players to embody the characters they love and connect with the Stranger Things universe on a personal level. When major pieces of that universe are missing, the experience can feel incomplete.

What Does the Future Hold?

With Stranger Things' final season premiering in just days and Fortnite's own Chapter 7 on the horizon, the timing for another collaboration wave seems plausible. The premiere event could serve as the perfect catalyst for a final, comprehensive skin drop. The community's passionate response to Max's absence demonstrates a clear demand. Players aren't just asking for more skins; they are asking for representation of the characters whose stories moved them. Could a "Final Season" wave featuring Max, Steve, Nancy, and Robin be on the horizon? Only time will tell.

For now, fans are left waiting. They can battle as Vecna in the corrupting vines of the jungle biome or strategize as Eleven, but they cannot yet fight to survive as the resilient Max Mayfield. As both Fortnite and Stranger Things prepare for their next major chapters, the hope remains that the battle royale island will eventually feel like a complete celebration of all the heroes (and villains) from Hawkins. The collaboration has been exciting, but its true potential won't be realized until it includes the full spectrum of characters that made the series a global phenomenon. Will Max get her chance to run through the Fortnite island, or will she remain lost in the Upside Down of unavailable content? The answer lies in the future waves Epic Games may choose to release.