Stranger Things is packed with supernatural chaos, 80s nostalgia, and enough jump scares to make you spill your drink before you even take a sip. From flickering lights to Eleven’s nosebleeds, every episode is loaded with triggers that make it perfect for a drinking game. Grab 2-8 friends, dim the lights, and get ready for a night in Hawkins that’s way more fun than the Upside Down.
What You Need
- A TV or laptop with Stranger Things streaming (Netflix)
- Your drink of choice (beer, wine, or cocktails)
- At least 1 friend (best with 3-6 players)
- Snacks to keep you grounded in the right side up (Eggo waffles encouraged)
Stranger Things Drinking Game Rules
Take a sip every time:
- The lights flicker or behave strangely
- Someone says “the Upside Down”
- Eleven uses her telekinetic powers
- Joyce is frantic, yelling, or panicking about her kids
- Dustin says something nerdy, scientific, or references D&D
- Steve’s hair is mentioned or prominently shown on screen
- Someone rides a bike
- A Demogorgon or any Upside Down monster appears on screen
- Someone has a nosebleed (especially Eleven)
- Hopper is grumpy, frustrated, or yells at someone
- The kids use their walkie-talkies to communicate
- An 80s song plays on the soundtrack
Hard Mode Rules
Want more intensity? Add these rules on top of the basics:
- Take two sips whenever Eleven eats Eggo waffles
- Finish your drink for a major character death or presumed death
- Take a sip for every nostalgic 80s pop culture reference (movies, games, brands)
- Take two sips when someone physically enters the Upside Down
- Take a sip every time the lab or Hawkins National Laboratory is shown
- Take two sips when a new monster or creature type is revealed for the first time
Best Episodes to Play
These episodes are packed with triggers and perfect for game night:
- S1E1 – The Vanishing of Will Byers — The pilot fires on all cylinders with flickering lights, bike rides, walkie-talkies, and the first Demogorgon encounter to kick off your game.
- S1E7 – The Bathtub — Eleven goes full power mode, the kids are on their bikes, walkie-talkies are blazing, and the stakes push every rule to the limit.
- S2E9 – The Mind Flayer — Joyce is at peak panic, the monsters are everywhere, and Eleven unleashes her powers in a finale that triggers rules nonstop.
- S4E4 – Dear Billy — Max’s storyline fires emotional and supernatural triggers simultaneously — 80s music, Eleven powers, and some of the most intense scenes in the series.
- S4E9 – The Piggyback — The epic season 4 finale is a trigger marathon with powers, monsters, nosebleeds, and walkie-talkies all firing at maximum intensity.
House Rules & Variations
- Assign each player a character — take an extra sip whenever your character appears on screen
- Add a jump scare rule — last person to flinch during a scare takes an extra sip
- Play with non-alcoholic drinks like soda or juice for a tamer night in Hawkins
- Create a “lights out” rule — whenever the lights flicker on screen, everyone must put their drink down until the scene ends, then chug for 3 seconds
Tips for a Great Game Night
- Start with a mid-season episode to gauge the trigger pace before tackling a premiere or finale
- Keep water on the table — the Upside Down is dehydrating
- Designate a driver or arrange rides before the first episode starts
- Have snacks ready — Eggo waffles, popcorn, and pizza are the official Stranger Things spread
Related Drinking Games
If you enjoyed this game, check out these:
- Power Hour — A timed drinking game that matches the intensity of a Stranger Things binge session
- Red or Black — A simple guessing game perfect for quick rounds between episodes
- Kings Cup — A rules-heavy card game great for groups on game night
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do you need for the Stranger Things drinking game?
You can play with as few as 2 people, but 3-6 players is the sweet spot. Assigning characters makes it competitive, and the jump scare house rule is way more fun with a full group reacting together.
What should you drink during the Stranger Things drinking game?
Beer or light cocktails work best since triggers can come in rapid bursts during action scenes. Avoid hard liquor shots for multi-episode sessions. Non-alcoholic drinks are a great option too, especially for marathon viewing nights.
Which season of Stranger Things is best for the drinking game?
Season 1 is the best starting point — it has the perfect balance of flickering lights, bike rides, walkie-talkies, and Demogorgon appearances. Season 4 is the most intense for experienced players with its longer episodes and higher trigger density.
