Alinea Analytics, which reports on sales and estimates how games are performing across platforms, is back again. This time, it has estimated the most-wishlisted games on Steam set to release in 2026.
Surprisingly, the number one spot, Subnautica 2, is quite unexpected. Still, it makes sense given how popular its predecessor is.
The second place might raise a few eyebrows, too, as Xbox Game Studios makes an appearance with Forza Horizon 6. Meanwhile, the third spot is a shocker for only being third rather than higher, but it is still well earned for one of my most anticipated games of the year.
So, let’s jump in and see what Alinea is estimating.
Subnautica 2 takes the number one spot
Subnautica was first released in 2018 on Steam, before arriving later that year on Xbox One and PS4. It featured a sprawling open ocean to explore, with deeper depths introducing tougher challenges and more danger.
For years, fans have asked for co-op multiplayer. Subnautica 2 looks set to finally deliver that. It is currently the most wishlisted 2026 game on Steam, with an estimated 3.8 million wishlists.
As a bonus for Xbox players, it is also planned to support Xbox Play Anywhere. Despite being delayed from 2025 to 2026, it is still expected to launch in Game Preview and was announced for Xbox Game Pass.
Here's the three most wishlisted 2026 games on Steam right now (@alineaanalytics Analytics estimates).#Subnautica2 is currently the most wishlisted Steam game with a 2026 release date, with 3.8M wishlists.These impressive pre-launch metrics are no surprise. The original game… pic.twitter.com/QTdn2Fx5vhFebruary 10, 2026
Forza Horizon 6
One of the most highly anticipated Xbox releases of the year also claims the number two spot on the wishlist charts according to Alinea Analytics. Forza Horizon 6 has already amassed an estimated 2.6 million wishlists on Steam. It has also sold 220,000 copies (on Steam) ahead of launch, according to Alinea.
It is a setting fans have asked for over the years, and that shift alone appears to be driving serious momentum on Steam. A Japanese backdrop offers everything from dense city racing to scenic countryside roads, which should give the open-world formula a fresh feel.
Like Subnautica 2, Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. It will also arrive day one on Xbox Game Pass when it releases on May 19, 2026.
Resident Evil Requiem
Leon is back, and this time he is facing the T-virus alongside a brand-new character, Grace Ashcroft. Gameplay shifts between the two, giving players different perspectives and styles throughout the experience.
For those unfamiliar, Resident Evil Requiem is a third-person action horror game. It sets a blend of tense survival horror with more combat-focused moments, depending on which character you are playing as.
It currently sits at an estimated 2.5 million wishlists on Steam. The game has also reportedly sold around 250,000 copies ahead of launch on the platform.
I’m actually quite excited for this, as someone who grew up watching my brother play Resident Evil, I’m excited to jump back in as Leon and see how he’s changed since the last time we saw him.
The game is set to release on February 26, 2026, but isn’t expected to release on Game Pass, nor is it going to be Xbox Play Anywhere, despite recent efforts from Capcom to bring some of their other titles to Play Anywhere.
Reading between the Steam Wishlist lines
In the end, the latest Steam wishlist data is a useful reminder that player interest doesn’t always line up with marketing cycles or platform expectations.
A surprise frontrunner at the top of the charts says a lot about where attention is shifting, and the strong showing from Xbox‑published titles reinforces that Microsoft’s PC strategy continues to land with the audience that actually buys games.
As always, the real test will come at launch, but for now, the wishlist rankings offer a fascinating snapshot of where the hype really is
Which of these 2026 releases are you most excited for, and do the Steam wishlist numbers match your expectations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:
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