Stranger Things: 1984 icon
Stranger Things: 1984 Delivers Retro Adventure With Netflix's Signature Style

by Netflix, Inc.

This app brings the Hawkins universe to life through classic point-and-click adventure mechanics. Players navigate familiar locations and characters while solving puzzles that expand the show's mythology. A solid choice for fans seeking deeper immersion in the 1980s supernatural world.

Detailed Review

Stranger Things: 1984 stands as Netflix's first major foray into mobile gaming, translating the streaming service's hit series into an interactive adventure format. The game occupies a unique position in the App Store, blending narrative-driven gameplay with established intellectual property in a way that few licensed titles achieve. Set between the first two seasons, it fills narrative gaps while maintaining the show's distinctive atmosphere and character relationships. The core gameplay revolves around traditional adventure mechanics where players control multiple characters from the series, including Hopper, Joyce, and the kids. Each character possesses unique abilities—Lucas' wrist rocket can trigger distant switches, while Eleven's telekinesis moves objects inaccessible to others. Environmental puzzles require switching between characters strategically, and the game incorporates inventory management where collected items must be combined or used in specific locations. The map system allows quick travel between key Hawkins locations like the Hawkins Lab and Byers' home, though some backtracking proves necessary for puzzle completion. In practice, the game captures the show's visual aesthetic through detailed pixel art that recreates 1980s settings with careful attention to period-appropriate details. The interface uses intuitive touch controls for movement and interaction, though occasional precision issues emerge when selecting small objects. Voice acting from the original cast enhances authenticity, while the synth-heavy soundtrack mirrors the show's iconic audio design. Real-world usage shows the game works well in short sessions, with puzzle solutions that typically require 10-15 minutes of experimentation rather than extended play periods. User feedback indicates general appreciation for the game's faithfulness to source material, with particular praise for how it expands character backstories. Some players note the puzzle design occasionally relies on obscure solutions that can disrupt gameplay flow, while others mention the controls sometimes misinterpret touch inputs during time-sensitive sequences. The absence of in-app purchases receives consistent positive mention, as the game provides complete access through Netflix subscription without additional costs. Reviewers frequently highlight specific moments like navigating the Upside Down or solving environmental puzzles in Hawkins Middle School as standout experiences. Overall, Stranger Things: 1984 succeeds as a complementary experience for series enthusiasts rather than a groundbreaking adventure title. The compelling narrative integration and authentic presentation outweigh occasional control frustrations and predictable puzzle design. While the game might not convert those unfamiliar with the franchise, it delivers substantial value for existing fans through its additional character development and faithful recreation of the Stranger Things universe.

Key Features

  • Character-switching mechanics allowing players to utilize unique abilities across different protagonists during puzzle sequences
  • Authentic pixel art visuals recreating 1980s Hawkins with locations directly from the television series
  • Original voice acting from the Stranger Things cast providing consistent character authenticity throughout dialogue
  • Inventory puzzle system requiring item combination and environmental interaction to progress through story chapters
  • Complete adventure experience without in-app purchases, accessible through existing Netflix subscription
  • Period-accurate soundtrack featuring synth-wave compositions that mirror the show's audio aesthetic

Why Users Love It

Faithful series expansion
No additional purchases

Perfect for: Fans of Stranger Things seeking additional narrative content through classic adventure gameplay

Screenshots

Stranger Things: 1984 screenshot 1Stranger Things: 1984 screenshot 2Stranger Things: 1984 screenshot 3Stranger Things: 1984 screenshot 4Stranger Things: 1984 screenshot 5Stranger Things: 1984 screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Stranger Things: 1984's performance in Adventure Games over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#31

+15 from last week

Best Rank

#21

All-time high

Average Rank

#38

30-day average

User Reviews

Thunkle
Dec 9, 2025

i enjoyed playing this even if it was only almost 9 hours of gameplay (100% completed). less bugs than the second which is great but it unfortunately less fun. the map is annoying bc it’s practically useless (you can see the buildings, but it won’t tell you the names of each, leaving you to have to search for it) i played the 2nd game first so i thought i’d really not like the 2D factor of this game but i didn’t mind it as much even though it made it slightly less interesting. really hoping they create another game for the last season! great! i enjoyed playing this even if it was only almost 9 hours of gameplay (100% completed). less bugs than the second which is great but it unfortunately less fun. the map is annoying bc it’s practically useless (you can see the buildings, but it won’t tell you the names of each, leaving you to have to search for it) i played the 2nd game first so i thought i’d really not like the 2D factor of this game but i didn’t mind it as much even though it made it slightly less interesting. really hoping they create another game for the last season!

Br. Evan
Nov 25, 2025

Took a few hours to beat and I was watching Stranger Things as I played it. Simplistic and entertaining with many Easter eggs and references to the show itself. Loved it! Great Game! Took a few hours to beat and I was watching Stranger Things as I played it. Simplistic and entertaining with many Easter eggs and references to the show itself. Loved it!

Squeaky91
Jan 22, 2025

Reminds me of the old arcade games and it's based off of my favorite show! It's a fun game that I always revisit and it's an easy 4-6 hours of play to beat. I enjoy the music and the animation and its simple gameplay. It's so perfect thank you! I'm never deleting this game Reminds me of the old arcade games and it's based off of my favorite show! It's a fun game that I always revisit and it's an easy 4-6 hours of play to beat. I enjoy the music and the animation and its simple gameplay. It's so perfect thank you!

NICK IS A ROCK
Apr 19, 2025

The game is good bosses are hard but gives me a challenge which makes the game fun! The game makes you feel like you’re in the 80s, literally! Because of the graphics. I recommend this game for Stranger Things fans, like me!😊 Great game! The game is good bosses are hard but gives me a challenge which makes the game fun! The game makes you feel like you’re in the 80s, literally! Because of the graphics. I recommend this game for Stranger Things fans, like me!😊

ThatOneGuy1243
Jul 1, 2025

I got this game because I’m obsessed with Stranger Things and this game was challenging enough and it’s so much fun playing side quests and exploring Hawkins! This game is amazing I got this game because I’m obsessed with Stranger Things and this game was challenging enough and it’s so much fun playing side quests and exploring Hawkins!

App Details

Developer

Netflix, Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

3.9

Last Updated

12/27/2025