Subnautica 2 Becomes the Most Anticipated Game on Steam for 2026, According to Wishlist Data

Steam’s Most-Wishlisted Upcoming Games: A Glimpse into Gamer Anticipation

The correlation between a game’s wishlist count and its subsequent sales upon release is not always straightforward. However, with millions of wishlists on platforms like Steam, these numbers certainly hold significance. Leading the pack are Subnautica 2, Forza Horizon 6, and Resident Evil Requiem, all boasting substantial wishlist figures.

Insights from Alinea Analytics

In a noteworthy departure from typical sales analytics, Alinea Analytics explores the wishlist landscape for upcoming titles. Notably, Valve’s internal ranking of the ‘Top Wishlists’ signifies that rapid wishlist accumulation can propel newer titles to the top of the charts, even when their total counts are lower than older titles.

Leading the Wishlist Rankings

As of the current report, Subnautica 2 holds the coveted top position with an impressive 3.8 million wishlists, having been on the platform for over a year. Following closely is Forza Horizon 6 with 2.6 million wishlists, and just slightly behind, Resident Evil Requiem at 2.5 million wishlists.

A bar chart titled 'Steam's top upcoming 2026 games by wishlist balance' shows 'Subnautica 2' with 3.8M wishlists, 'Forza'... — Image credit: Alinea Analytics

Pre-Orders vs. Wishlists

Notably, titles like Forza Horizon 6 and Resident Evil Requiem have successfully sold around 250, 000 and 220, 000 copies respectively through pre-orders. In contrast, Subnautica 2 has not yet opened for pre-orders, leaving its sales figures undisclosed for now.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Alinea Analytics underscores that the remarkable wishlist numbers for Subnautica 2 reflect the success of its predecessor, which sold 15 million copies across various platforms. Additionally, the standalone expansion, Subnautica: Below Zero, is nearing 5 million sales. Notably, Steam serves as the primary outlet for the series, capturing approximately two-thirds of its overall sales.

The Impact of Ongoing Legal Issues

One critical factor that could influence Subnautica 2 is the ongoing legal dispute between its intellectual property owner, Krafton, and the co-founders of Unknown Worlds, the developers behind the game. As this case unfolds, it will be worth observing if the news affects public sentiment regarding the game, especially as a release date eventually approaches.

While there is currently no indication of a widespread backlash or boycott, the legal circumstances could subtly influence the narrative surrounding Subnautica 2 once it reaches eager players.

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