A notable consequence of a significant game launch is the ripple effect it creates within the rankings of most-wishlisted titles on Steam. For an extended period, Subnautica 2 held the coveted top spot, likely since the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong back in September 2025. However, with the recent launch of Subnautica 2, a new contender has emerged to claim the title of the most-anticipated PC game on Steam.
The Rise of Deadlock
Interestingly, Deadlock, which has been available for nearly two years, continues to make waves. The game receives regular updates, including the introduction of new characters, and boasts a peak concurrent player count of 171,490. On average, over 50,000 players engage with it at any given moment, indicating its widespread appeal. Millions have likely experienced it at some point, qualifying it as “out.” When games officially launch, they typically exit the most-wishlisted list, a fate that befell Subnautica 2 upon its early access debut.
Now, at the pinnacle of the wishlist rankings sits none other than Deadlock. It presents a curious paradox: a game that has never been fully released yet ranks among the most-played titles on Steam. This situation prompts a candid conversation with Valve; it’s time to acknowledge that Deadlock is indeed out there. It is no longer merely “unreleased” or “coming soon”—it is actively available in early access, a term that Valve popularized through Steam.
Even for those who may not typically gravitate towards MOBAs, such as myself, Deadlock has found its way into my Steam library. I’m unsure who extended the invitation, but I’ve dabbled in it, albeit briefly, coinciding with the day it should have exited Steam’s top wishlists.
A New Champion: Light No Fire
In light of Subnautica 2’s launch, the new frontrunner for the most-wishlisted game on Steam is Light No Fire. Congratulations to Hello Games for this achievement! The game appears to be an ideal candidate for the top position: it boasts impressive visuals, a growing follower base, and, crucially, it remains unreleased, further fueling anticipation among gamers.
