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[IbizaPocholo]

The top 2026 games by Steam wishlists

We look at our 2026 wishlist data, including pre-launch Steam revenue and copies sold for Forza Horizon 6 and Resident Evil 9. We also answer the question ''How can I track wishlist conversion?''

alineaanalytics.substack.com

It's worth noting that Valve's official ''Top Wishlists'' ranking on Steam isn't a 1:1 total wishlist count for games. While the count is obviously a major input, Steam's official ranking also emphasises recent "velocity" (how quickly a game is gaining new wishlists) and other factors.

With that in mind, our estimates show that Subnautica 2 is currently the most wishlisted Steam game with a 2026 release date, with 3.8M wishlists

A major part of Subnautica 2's #1 position is due to its extended presence on the storefront. It's been available for wishlisting since November 2024 – far longer than the other two titles in the top three.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Wow, quiet a solid reception for both FH6 and Requim.

Imagine if PS releases hyped titles day 1.

 

[KanKamAndNob]

Not personally interested in any of those games, but I'm surprised that Subnautica and vroom, vroom is that high. Resident Evil: 9 being beaten out by those two isn't what I expected though.

 

[Branded]

Huh, after the awful Subnautica Below Zero I am surprised that Sub2 is anticipated this much.

 

[HRK69]

Huh, after the awful Subnautica Below Zero I am surprised that Sub2 is anticipated this much.

Awful?

Reviews say very postive on Steam and has 93k reviews

 

[Branded]

Awful?

Reviews say very postive on Steam and has 93k reviews

Slop of the highest order.

 

[MiguelItUp]

Wild that Requiem has that many wishlists, but hey, I get it, it's one of the first games this year I'm hyped about.

Huh, after the awful Subnautica Below Zero I am surprised that Sub2 is anticipated this much.

Also all that weird nonsense surrounding the studio too. I'm surprised this is even happening, and has this much excitement behind it.

 

[AJUMP23]

I will play Forza on Xbox like the Lord intended.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Any Steam hardware listed in there anywhere? machine, controller, frame?

 

[Lokaum D+]

is subnautica really that great ?

 

[Mownoc]

Steam Search

store.steampowered.com

Slightly different order from steam themselves. As mentioned in OP this takes into account recent interest rather than it just being total wishlists.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Subnautica 2

Some weird ass PC shit as expected not making sense at number 1.

 

[GametimeUK]

Imagine if PS releases hyped titles day 1.

Like Helldivers 2 which sold really well.

 

[The Cockatrice]

is subnautica really that great ?

The first one yeah. Below Zero is more narrative focused/lower budget which is why some ppl dont like it. The second one has a lot of scummy shit/drama behind it so at this point it's unknown how it will turn out. The high wishlists dont guarantee it will be good. I have a feeling it'll prolly stay in early access for at least 8 years.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

is subnautica really that great ?

First part is really good.

I would rate it similar to Grounded. Which is like, 10/10, almost.

 

[rebellio]

No deadlock, no steam hardware?

 

[TintoConCasera]

No deadlock, no steam hardware?

Deadlock appears as number 2 for me

 

[rebellio]

Deadlock appears as number 2 for me

Oh I know, it's just aliena using some games not overall

 

[Jesb]

Do people still wishlist? Seems pointless with me buying games never from steam itself.

 

[Superkewl]

Do people still wishlist? Seems pointless with me buying games never from steam itself.

I use wishlists, but only to track when the games I want go on sale, not to buy them day 1. Not sure why so much importance is placed on wishlisting.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Do people still wishlist? Seems pointless with me buying games never from steam itself.

I do, it's a nice way of keeping track of games specially those that aren't covered by the media or discussed online.

 

[Kacho]

Do people still wishlist? Seems pointless with me buying games never from steam itself.

It's more of list to keep track of games you're mildly interested in. I browse mine when sales happen. Just pick and choose which games appeal to me.

Wishlists get a bit unwieldy after a while though since tastes and moods change. Sometimes I'll add a game I was slightly interested in, but when it goes on sale I wonder why I ever added it.

 

[The_Mike]

Like Helldivers 2 which sold really well.

Helldivers 2 do stand out compared to every other Sony game.
The majority of Sony games are story heave single player games, whereas Helldivers 2 is a more traditional popular type of game on PC.

 

[Jesb]

I'm curious what the stat is of games wish listed and ignored on release.