Brawl Stars just got a whole lot stranger. The Stranger Things collaboration is officially live, and it’s one of the biggest crossover events the game has ever had. Between new game modes, exclusive skins, collectible Brawler Decks, and a new currency made of waffles (yes, waffles as in Eleven’s favorite snack), there’s a ton to unpack.
If you’re wondering how to make the most out of this limited-time event, whether it’s maximizing your Waffles, understanding Brawler Decks, or figuring out how Upside Showdown works, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Let’s dive headfirst into the Upside Down.
The Basics: What Is the Stranger Things Event?
The Stranger Things event runs from November 6 to December 4, 2025, during Brawl Pass Season 44: Stranger Things. For nearly a month, players can explore Hawkins, Indiana, face off against Demogorgons, and collect Waffles to unlock rewards, new skins, and even unique event game modes.
This crossover adds:
- A new limited-time currency (Waffles)
- Two new game modes: Upside Showdown and Hawkins Hunt
- A special event shop
- Card Packs and Brawler Decks
- Exclusive Stranger Things skins and cosmetics
If you’ve ever wanted to play Brawl Stars like an 80s monster movie, now’s your chance.
Upside Showdown Explained
Upside Showdown is the core of the event. It’s a roguelike twist on Solo Showdown, you’ll battle through five stages, facing nine other players each time.
At the start of every stage, you’ll choose one of three random Power cards from your Brawler Deck. These Powers stack and can drastically change your gameplay. Some are small buffs, while others can completely break a match, like the legendary ability that adds three extra projectiles to your main attack.
To move to the next stage, you need to finish in the top 4. Lose, and your run resets to stage one.
Here’s the Waffle breakdown per stage:
| Stage | Waffles Earned |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10 |
| 2 | 12 |
| 3 | 14 |
| 4 | 16 |
| 5 | 18 |
| Total per run: 70 Waffles |
You also earn bonus Waffles based on your final placement:
| Placement | Bonus Waffles |
|---|---|
| 1st | 5 |
| 2nd | 4 |
| 3rd | 3 |
| 4th | 2 |
| 5th–10th | 1 |
That means even if you don’t make it all the way to the end, you’re still earning something each run.
Hawkins Hunt: Team Up Against the Monsters
For those who prefer co-op gameplay, there’s Hawkins Hunt, a team mode where three players battle bosses like Spirit Knight Frank, Vecna, and even the Demogorgon.
There are five stages here too, each one harder than the last. Rewards are better as well:
| Stage | Waffles Earned |
|---|---|
| 1 | 10 |
| 2 | 14 |
| 3 | 18 |
| 4 | 22 |
| 5 | 26 |
| Total per run: 90 Waffles |
Runs reset every six days, so make sure to team up and claim those sweet waffles before the next rotation.
Waffles: The Sweet Currency of Hawkins
Waffles are the event’s main currency, and the key to everything from Brawler Decks to Stranger Things skins. You can earn them through:
- Free Daily Waffles in the Shop: 300 on day one, then 80 per day after that (for 28 days total = 2,460 Waffles).
- Daily Wins: 15 Waffles for your 2nd, 4th, and 6th win (up to 45 daily).
- Upside Showdown & Hawkins Hunt runs: Earn Waffles for every successful stage up to 15 runs per day.
- Special Offers or Gem Purchases: For players who want to speed things up.
Even free-to-play players can rack up a decent amount just by playing consistently and checking in daily.
The Event Shop and Card Packs
In the event shop, you’ll find two types of packs:
| Pack | Contents | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger Pack | 1 Brawler Deck | 80 Waffles |
| Stranger Pack x3 | 3 Brawler Decks | 200 Waffles |
| Strangest Pack | 1 Deck + 2 random rewards | 160 Waffles |
| Strangest Pack x3 | 3 Decks + 6 rewards | 440 Waffles |
The Strangest Packs can include everything from extra coins and credits to rare Stranger Things skins.
Open 60 Card Packs in total to unlock the exclusive Dustin Nita skin automatically. Complete the entire collection and you’ll even earn a unique event pin.
Each Brawler Deck contains cards with three rarities, Epic, Mythic, and Legendary. Higher rarity means stronger effects, and these can completely transform your runs.
The New Skins
Supercell went all out with the Stranger Things skins lineup. Here’s what you can expect:
- Eleven Lumi / Retro Eleven Lumi / Thrilled Eleven Lumi
- Hopper Bull
- Eddie Draco
- Will Gus
- Dustin Nita / 80s Dustin Nita / Future Dustin Nita
- Scoops Ahoy Berry
My personal favorite? Dustin Nita. It’s goofy, nostalgic, and fits the crossover perfectly.
Quick Tips to Get Ahead
- Start with your favorite brawlers. You’ll get familiar modifiers faster.
- Colt, Stew, and Gale are great picks for Upside Showdown.
- Play every day. The free waffles and daily wins stack up quickly.
- Check your modifiers carefully. Legendary ones can completely change a run.
- Don’t get discouraged by resets. Even failed runs still give you waffles.
Final Thoughts
The Stranger Things event in Brawl Stars is easily one of the most creative collabs Supercell has ever done. The new roguelike mechanics make gameplay feel fresh, while the crossover adds a ton of personality and fan service.
It’s part nostalgia trip, part chaos, and honestly, that’s what makes it fun. Whether you’re grinding for Dustin Nita, testing broken modifiers in Upside Showdown, or just here for the waffles, this event is worth playing every day until it ends.
See you in the Upside Down, brawlers. Meanwhile, if you’ve been planning to play Brawl Stars on PC but have no idea where to start, I recommend that you check out our guide!
