The Top 10 Most Anticipated Strategy Games on Steam for 2026
Introduction
When it comes to gauging player enthusiasm, few metrics are as telling as the number of wishlists on Steam. If a game catches your fancy, you simply add it to your wishlist. If it piques your curiosity? You guessed it—onto the wishlist it goes! And if it looks absolutely stunning? Well, it’s a no-brainer! Essentially, any title that sparks even a hint of interest inevitably finds its way onto a player's wishlist. In this article, I’ve delved into the strategy category on Steam, examining various titles and compiling a list of the actual strategy games ranked by their wishlist counts.
Join me as we uncover the ten most-wished-for strategy games on Steam in 2026! If you’re eager to explore more upcoming games slated for release this year, be sure to check out my collection of lists available here (https://strategyandwargaming.com/category/lists/)!
10 – Star Wars Zero Company
It’s a bit surprising to see Star Wars Zero Company (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2075800/STARWARSZeroCompany/) not ranking higher on this list. After all, combining a team known for their work on XCOM with one of the most iconic science fiction franchises ever is an enticing prospect! Personally, this is the strategy game I’m most thrilled about in 2026 (https://strategyandwargaming.com/2026/01/02/the-10-strategy-games-i-am-mostexcitedforin_2026/). Set in the thrilling backdrop of the beloved Clone Wars, players will take command of a squad of elite operatives undertaking bold missions as agents of the Galactic Republic, battling against the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS). Although the game is set to launch at the end of 2026, we can expect more exciting details to emerge in the near future.
9 – Transport Fever 3
Tycoon games have long been a cornerstone of PC and strategy gaming, yet I was unaware that Transport Fever 3 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3493540/TransportFever3/) was on the horizon for 2026. According to its Steam page, the latest iteration from Urban Games promises to be “larger, more intricate, and more dynamic” than its predecessors. Players will have the opportunity to create routes on land, establish maritime lanes, and develop air routes, beginning from modest beginnings with wagons and progressing through time to modern transportation systems. Beyond its intricate transport simulation, Transport Fever 3 aims to provide a vibrant simulation experience where every individual has a home, employment, and a social life. It will be intriguing to see if this new installment can outshine its predecessor, which is often hailed as one of the finest tycoon and strategy games ever created.
8 – Prison Architect 2
Prison Architect 2 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1257610/PrisonArchitect2/) stands out as the most unconventional entry on this countdown. While updates about the game have been scarce over the past year, there’s also been no indication of its cancellation, which is often the case when Paradox decides a game isn’t viable for release. Furthermore, Prison Architect 2 has been consistently rolling out updates for its developer branch (https://www.reddit.com/r/prisonarchitect/comments/1ofchpi/prison2architectstillindevelopmentgetting/). So, what exactly is Prison Architect? It’s a unique game that allows players to design, construct, and manage their very own prison facility, catering to inmates' needs while navigating the challenges that come with running such an establishment. The first game was a crowdfunding success story on Kickstarter, showcasing the potential of crowd-supported gaming. We can only hope that Prison Architect 2 follows suit, offering a quirky and high-quality strategy experience that captivates its audience.
