Are you ready to dive into the future of strategy gaming? The Steam wishlist is like a crystal ball, revealing the titles that have gamers buzzing with anticipation. It’s simple: if a game piques your interest, it lands on your wishlist. And in 2026, the strategy genre is brimming with exciting prospects. 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 creativity. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of these titles might not live up to the hype, while others could redefine the genre. Let’s explore together!
10 – Star Wars Zero Company
It’s surprising that Star Wars Zero Company (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2075800/STARWARSZero_Company/) isn’t higher on this list. Combining the minds behind XCOM with the iconic Star Wars franchise seems like a recipe for success. Personally, it’s my most anticipated strategy game of 2026 (https://strategyandwargaming.com/2026/01/02/the-10-strategy-games-i-am-most-excited-for-in-2026/). Set during the climactic Clone Wars, players command a team of Galactic Republic operatives in high-stakes missions against the CIS. With its release slated for late 2026, more details are sure to emerge soon. But will it meet the sky-high expectations of Star Wars fans and strategy enthusiasts alike? Only time will tell.
9 – Transport Fever 3
Tycoon games have long been a cornerstone of PC and strategy gaming, but Transport Fever 3 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3493540/TransportFever3/) flew under my radar until recently. Urban Games promises a grander, more intricate experience than its predecessors, allowing players to build land, sea, and air routes from horse-drawn wagons to modern transportation. What sets it apart is its living world simulation, where every NPC has a home, job, and daily routine. But can it surpass Transport Fever 2, widely hailed as one of the greatest tycoon games ever? And this is the part most people miss—its success might hinge on how well it balances complexity with accessibility.
8 – Prison Architect 2
Prison Architect 2 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1257610/PrisonArchitect2/) is the oddball on this list. News has been scarce for over a year, yet Paradox hasn’t officially canceled it—a rarity for the publisher. Updates to its developer branch (https://www.reddit.com/r/prisonarchitect/comments/1ofchpi/prison2architectstillindevelopmentgetting/) suggest it’s still in the works. For the uninitiated, Prison Architect lets you design, manage, and operate a prison, juggling inmate needs and chaotic events. The original was a Kickstarter sensation, but will the sequel recapture its magic? Some fans are skeptical, while others are cautiously optimistic. What’s your take?
If you’re hungry for more gaming insights, check out my other lists here (https://strategyandwargaming.com/category/lists/). And don’t forget to explore the full ranking on pages 2 (https://strategyandwargaming.com/2026/01/17/top-10-most-wishlisted-strategy-games-on-steam-in-2026/2/) and 3 (https://strategyandwargaming.com/2026/01/17/top-10-most-wishlisted-strategy-games-on-steam-in-2026/3/). Which of these games are you most excited about? And which ones do you think will fall flat? Let’s debate in the comments!
