Are you ready to dive into the future of strategy gaming? The Steam wishlist is like a crystal ball, revealing the games players are most eager to get their hands on. It’s simple: if a game piques your interest, it lands on your wishlist. And in 2026, the strategy genre is buzzing with anticipation. I’ve combed through Steam’s strategy section to bring you the top 10 most-wishlisted games, each promising a unique blend of challenge and excitement. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of these titles might not be what you expect, and their rankings could spark heated debates. Let’s explore together!
10 – Star Wars Zero Company
It’s surprising that Star Wars Zero Company isn’t higher on this list. Combining the team behind XCOM with the iconic Star Wars franchise seems like a recipe for success. Set during the climactic days of the Clone Wars, players lead a squad of special operatives in high-stakes missions for the Galactic Republic. Personally, it’s my most anticipated strategy game of 2026. With its release slated for late 2026, I’m eagerly awaiting more details. But here’s a thought: will it live up to the hype, or is it riding solely on the coattails of its franchise? Let me know what you think!
9 – Transport Fever 3
Tycoon games have long been a cornerstone of PC and strategy gaming, but Transport Fever 3 flew under my radar until recently. The third installment in Urban Games’ series promises to be “bigger, deeper, and more dynamic” than ever. Players will build transportation networks across land, sea, and air, starting with humble wagons and progressing to modern vehicles. What sets it apart is its living world simulation, where every citizen has a home, job, and daily routine. But here’s the question: can it surpass its predecessor, widely regarded as one of the best tycoon games ever? Only time will tell.
8 – Prison Architect 2
Prison Architect 2 is the odd one out on this list. News has been scarce for over a year, yet Paradox hasn’t officially canceled it—a rarity for the publisher. The game continues to receive updates on its developer branch, but its future remains uncertain. For those unfamiliar, Prison Architect lets you design, build, and manage a prison, juggling inmate needs and chaotic situations. The original was a Kickstarter success story, but will the sequel follow suit? And this is the part most people miss: is the lack of communication a red flag, or a sign of meticulous development? Share your thoughts below!
If you’re hungry for more gaming insights, check out my other lists here. Stay tuned for the next entries in this countdown, where we’ll uncover even more surprises and potential controversies!