PHILADELPHIA — Just as anticipation builds for the final season of the hit Netflix series, Philadelphia fans now have the chance to step directly into the world of Hawkins, Indiana. Sandbox VR Philadelphia has officially launched its newest full-body virtual reality experience, Stranger Things: Catalyst.
Located within the LOL Entertainment portfolio of attractions, Sandbox VR is expanding its partnership with Netflix to bring this sci-fi phenomenon to life. Unlike traditional VR where players are tethered to a computer or confined to a chair, Sandbox VR utilizes motion capture technology that allows groups of up to six people to walk around, interact physically with one another, and see their full bodies within the digital world.
Become the Experiment
In Stranger Things: Catalyst, players don’t just watch the action—they become part of it. Guests are cast as test subjects inside the infamous Hawkins Lab. Throughout the 45-minute adrenaline-fueled session, teams must band together to escape the lab, navigating iconic locations from the show such as the Rainbow Room, the eerie Mirkwood forest, and the terrifying dimension known as the Upside Down.
Adding a layer of cinematic authenticity to the game, actor Matthew Modine reprises his role as the enigmatic Dr. Martin Brenner (aka "Papa"), featuring prominently throughout the storyline.
But players aren't helpless against the threats of the Upside Down. The experience allows guests to harness telekinetic powers—much like the show's protagonist, Eleven—to fend off swarms of demodogs and the towering Demagorgon.
A New Adventure for Philadelphia
The arrival of Stranger Things: Catalyst is part of a broader effort by LOL Entertainment to bring high-end, social gaming experiences to the city. The group also operates the Museum of Illusions and Time Mission in Philadelphia.
“Continued partnerships and expansions with Netflix on popular shows are just one of the reasons we were excited to work with Sandbox VR to bring this new experience to Philadelphia,” said Rob Cooper, CEO and Founder of LOL Entertainment and a Philadelphia area native. “Creating the opportunity for Philadelphians to live out one of their favorite shows is exactly the kind of immersive, memorable entertainment we strive to deliver.”
Sandbox VR uses state-of-the-art haptic vests and motion sensors to create a sense of realism, allowing players to feel the impact of the game and interact seamlessly with their environment.
How to Visit
Stranger Things: Catalyst is available for booking now. Sandbox VR Philadelphia is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For reservations and more information, visit sandboxvr.com/philadelphia.
