Fading Light VR: Free Zombie Co-op on Quest from 12 November

Fading Light VR is a free zombie survival game coming to Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S on 12 November 2026. It comes from Joy Way, the studio behind Stride, so you can guess that running and climbing are a big part of it. You scavenge a city, build a base, and hold off hordes, either solo or with up to three mates. Here is what we actually know before launch, and what is still a question mark.

Fading Light VR | November 12 | Meta Quest, the official trailer from Joy Way’s YouTube channel.

The game itself is free to download, but if you end up buying anything for Fading Light on the Meta Store, or picking up another Quest game while you are there, you can use my promo code VRCGUY. It is my own code, and it helps keep this site going.

What is Fading Light VR?

Fading Light is a co-op survival shooter set in a city overrun by zombies. According to the Meta Horizon Store listing, the loop is simple enough. First you head out and search streets, buildings and rooftops for supplies. Then you turn that loot into medicine and tools. After that, you expand your base with traps and turrets and get ready for the next wave.

Each wave gets tougher, and surviving one earns resources so you can push deeper into the city. The listing mentions toxic zones that need a gas mask and military bases full of zombies. So there is a clear sense of harder areas opening up as you go.

The store page also has a dark sense of humour. You can put captured zombies on treadmills to make electricity. You can even craft a bat out of a zombie head. Cricket fans might wince at that one, but it does sound memorable.

Is Fading Light VR free?

Yes. Joy Way confirmed on X on 23 October that Fading Light will be free-to-play, as reported by Metaverse Watcher and MIXED. When UploadVR first reported the release date, the price had not been announced, so some older articles still say “price TBC”.

However, free to download does not tell us how the game will make money. Joy Way has not detailed its monetisation yet. That could mean cosmetics, a battle pass, paid extras or something else. The store page does mention customising your character, weapons and backpack, which is the usual home for paid cosmetics, but that is my guess rather than a confirmed fact. We will know more on 12 November.

Fading Light co-op: solo or up to four players

UploadVR describes Fading Light as a game for one to four players. You can play solo, or team up with up to three others. Oddly, the store copy still says it is “a co-op VR survival game for 2-4 players”. Metaverse Watcher spotted the same mismatch. In short, solo play has been announced, but I would wait for launch day before assuming the solo balance feels right.

The co-op side has a nice twist. If a teammate gets bitten, they can ask for an antidote, or they can keep quiet and hope nobody notices. There are also custom modes, including one where the whole team starts infected. That sounds like proper chaos with the right group of mates.

If you like squad shooters on Quest, it is worth comparing this with the paid co-op games I have looked at recently, such as Payday Aces High on Quest and the four-player Stuffed Two Foot Hero co-op shooter. Fading Light is aiming at a similar crowd, but without the upfront price.

Parkour, comfort and motion sickness

Movement is Joy Way’s calling card. The studio describes it as “fast, physical VR parkour” for running, jumping and climbing. There are also parkour Time-Run challenges with leaderboards, so speedrunners will have something to chase.

Here is the interesting bit. Despite all that running and jumping, the store listing rates Fading Light as “Comfortable”, according to Quest Store DB. That is Meta’s gentlest comfort rating. Even so, fast parkour in VR can be a lot for some people, especially newer players. If Stride made you queasy, take it slowly at first and use whatever comfort options the game offers on launch day.

The listing also says the game supports sitting, standing and room-scale play, and it uses controllers. Mixed reality is not listed, so this is a fully virtual city rather than zombies in your living room.

Which headsets can play Fading Light VR?

The store listing names Quest 3 and Quest 3S only. Quest 2 is not on the list. That fits the wider picture, as Meta is winding down new features for older headsets. I covered that in my piece on Quest 2 end of support. So if one of your mates is still on a Quest 2, they should not count on joining your squad.

There is no PC VR or Steam version announced either. For now, this is a Quest 3 and 3S game. If you are still deciding what to buy, my Meta Quest hub pulls together my guides for Quest 3 and 3S owners.

Fading Light at a glance

Developer: Joy Way (Stride, Stride: Fates, Catana: Red Flowers)
Release date: 12 November 2026 on Meta Quest
Price: free-to-play (monetisation not yet detailed)
Players: solo or co-op for up to four, per the announcement
Headsets: Quest 3 and Quest 3S
Comfort and age rating: Comfortable, 13+ Teen
Achievements: 32, according to Quest Store DB

How it compares with other free Quest games

Free games on Quest are a mixed bag. Some are great fun, and some are mostly a shop with a game attached. Recently I have written about Shiesty VR, the free crime sandbox, and the laid-back FISHY VR fishing hangout. Fading Light looks more ambitious than both, with base building, crafting and a full horde mode.

Being free also matters for a co-op game. Online games live or die on player numbers. Metaverse Watcher points out that a run of multiplayer VR games have shut down this year. Removing the price is the quickest way to fill lobbies. Meanwhile, your mates do not need convincing to spend money before you can play together.

Fading Light also lands on the same day as H3VR2. If you prefer your shooting with a bit more simulation, my H3VR2 on Quest 3 guide covers that one.

What to watch on launch day

There are three things I would check once Fading Light goes live. First, how the free model works in practice and whether anything feels pay-to-win. Second, whether solo play is properly supported or just technically possible. Third, how busy the servers are in the first week, because that decides whether a co-op game sticks around.

Fading Light VR FAQ

When does Fading Light come out?

Joy Way has dated it for 12 November 2026 on Meta Quest. You can wishlist it on the Meta Horizon Store now.

Is Fading Light on Quest 2?

No. The listing names Quest 3 and Quest 3S only.

Can you play Fading Light solo?

Joy Way and UploadVR say you can play solo or with up to four players. However, older store text says 2 to 4 players, so check again at launch.

Do you need the internet?

Quest Store DB lists the game as not requiring an internet connection. Of course, online co-op with friends will still need one.