Subnautica 2 stands out as the most anticipated game release right now, largely because it tops the list of confirmed 2026 titles on Steam wishlists with an estimated 3.8 million entries—putting it well ahead of other big names.
Steam wishlists serve as a key indicator of genuine player interest and potential launch performance, since they represent people actively signaling they want to be notified (and likely buy) when the game drops.
Main Reasons Driving the Hype:
- Legacy of the Series — The original Subnautica (2018) and Below Zero (2021) are beloved survival classics with millions sold and extremely high ratings (Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam).
Fans have been clamoring for a proper sequel in a fresh alien ocean world full of exploration, base-building, crafting, and that signature mix of wonder and terror.
- Co-op Multiplayer Addition — After years of community requests, the sequel introduces optional co-op ("Diving Together" mode) for shared exploration and building—while keeping full solo play intact.
Devs have stressed it won't compromise the single-player experience, which has eased concerns and boosted excitement.
- Consistent Developer Communication — Unknown Worlds (under Krafton) has kept momentum high with dev vlogs, trailers (like the multiplayer overview and crafting showcases), and "Road to Early Access" updates.
These have built anticipation despite the shift to a 2026 early access launch.
- Resilience Through Controversy — Even with development drama (delays from original plans, Krafton acquisition fallout, leadership changes, and some boycott calls), wishlist numbers have held strong or grown, showing the core appeal of the game overrides the noise.
Quick Comparison to Other 2026 Contenders (per recent Alinea Analytics estimates):
- Subnautica 2: ~3.8 million wishlists (leading for confirmed 2026 games)
- Forza Horizon 6: ~2.6 million
- Resident Evil Requiem: ~2.5 million
Note that Steam's official "Top Wishlists" page factors in wishlist velocity (how fast they're accumulating), so newer announcements can temporarily rank higher—but total counts for longer-listed titles like Subnautica 2 give a clearer picture of sustained demand.
In essence, the combo of proven franchise love, innovative (but optional) multiplayer, stunning underwater visuals/teasers, and massive pre-launch numbers make it the clear frontrunner for 2026 hype.
Early Access is targeted for sometime in 2026 (delayed from earlier expectations), so the wait continues—but the community is locked in. If underwater survival is your thing, this explains the frenzy perfectly.
