The next chapter in one of gaming’s most beloved survival franchises is already shaping up to be a blockbuster. Subnautica 2 has secured the top spot on Steam’s wishlist charts for upcoming 2026 titles, amassing over 3.8 million wishlists—more than any other game in the pipeline. While wishlists don’t guarantee sales, the sheer volume signals a level of anticipation rarely seen outside of AAA tentpoles.
Trailing behind are Forza Horizon 6 (2.6 million wishlists) and Resident Evil Requiem (2.5 million), both of which have already generated strong pre-order numbers—250,000 and 220,000 copies sold, respectively. Subnautica 2, however, remains exclusive to wishlists for now, with no pre-order option yet available.
The original Subnautica has sold over 15 million copies across all platforms, with its standalone expansion, Below Zero, nearing 5 million sales. Steam alone accounts for two-thirds of those figures, reinforcing the platform’s dominance as the series’ primary marketplace. The fact that Subnautica 2 has been wishlistable since 2024—giving it a full year’s head start—likely plays a key role in its commanding lead.
Why the Numbers Matter
Wishlist numbers aren’t just vanity metrics; they reflect genuine interest. For Subnautica 2, this translates into a built-in audience eager to dive back into the deep-sea survival experience. The game’s development has faced challenges, including an ongoing legal dispute between Krafton (the IP owner) and the co-founders of Unknown Worlds, its developer. While no major backlash has emerged, the unresolved legal issues could influence player sentiment as the release date approaches.
The competition isn’t standing still, though. Forza Horizon 6 and Resident Evil Requiem have already proven their commercial appeal through pre-orders, and both games benefit from strong brand recognition. Still, Subnautica 2’s wishlist total suggests it may not just meet expectations but surpass them—especially if it delivers on the expanded exploration and storytelling promised in trailers.
- Wishlist Dominance: Subnautica 2 leads with 3.8 million wishlists, far ahead of Forza Horizon 6 (2.6M) and Resident Evil Requiem (2.5M).
- Pre-Order Momentum: The latter two have sold 250K and 220K copies pre-order, but Subnautica 2 lacks a pre-order option.
- Series Legacy: The original Subnautica sold 15M+ copies, with Below Zero nearing 5M—Steam drives two-thirds of sales.
- Legal Uncertainty: A dispute between Krafton and Unknown Worlds could subtly impact release-day reception.
- Release Readiness: No confirmed date yet, but the wishlist count suggests a strong launch if hype holds.
The question now isn’t whether Subnautica 2 will be a hit—it’s whether it will redefine expectations for the franchise. With a proven fanbase and a game that’s been in development for years, the stage is set for a defining moment in survival gaming.
