Nivalis Nights hits one million Steam wishlists ahead of September release

Nivalis Nights has crossed a major threshold before even reaching players' hands. The upcoming cyberpunk life simulation from ION LANDS, published by 505 Games, has now been wishlisted over one million times on Steam, setting a new benchmark for the studio ahead of its scheduled PC release on 29 September 2026. According to official confirmation from ION LANDS and 505 Games, this milestone was reached just days before launch, with the Steam page now displaying the planned release date and indicating the game will unlock in approximately 11 days. This figure has also been independently reported by outlets such as IGN Italia and Game*Spark, both citing the same one million wishlist mark and the September 29 launch date.

Milestone for ION LANDS

For ION LANDS, this figure represents a dramatic leap from the studio's previous outing. Cloudpunk, the developer's earlier cyberpunk title, launched with around 130,000 wishlists. The scale of anticipation for Nivalis Nights is therefore not only unprecedented for the team but also signals a rare level of pre-release interest for a life simulation game set in a neon-lit metropolis. The studio has publicly acknowledged the milestone, attributing it to sustained player patience and support throughout the game's development cycle. Creative director Marko Dieckmann specifically highlighted the contrast with Cloudpunk's wishlist numbers, underscoring the exceptional growth in community interest, as reported by IGN Italia.

Publisher 505 Games, a subsidiary of Digital Bros, is handling the global release. The game will debut on Steam, with an Epic Games Store launch planned for a later date. According to GNN Gamer, while the Epic Games Store version is confirmed, its exact release date has not yet been announced and will follow the Steam launch. Further details on the Epic release are expected in the coming weeks, but for now, the focus remains on the imminent PC launch.

Gameplay and City Life

Nivalis Nights returns players to the city of Nivalis, previously featured in Cloudpunk, but this time with a focus on building a life rather than delivering packages. The game blends the structure of a life sim with the atmosphere of a cyberpunk city, offering players the chance to start small-perhaps with a noodle stand or a modest bar-and expand into larger ventures such as restaurants or nightclubs. Exploration is central, with the city's waterfronts, alleyways and high-rise homes all accessible on foot or by boat.

Players can source ingredients from markets, grow their own produce, or fish in the city's waterways. Customisation extends to home decoration, with the option to purchase and personalise a residence above the clouds. Social interaction is also a core feature, with opportunities to meet a diverse cast of citizens, form friendships, attract customers, and pursue romantic connections. The game's structure is designed to allow for both entrepreneurial ambition and quieter, more personal playstyles.

Release Timing and Platform Details

Nivalis Nights is officially scheduled to launch on PC via Steam on 29 September 2026. The Steam page currently lists the game as unavailable, with an "unlock" expected in about 11 days, confirming the imminent release window. The Epic Games Store version will follow, though a specific date has not yet been confirmed, as reiterated by GNN Gamer. There has been no announcement regarding console platforms or physical editions, and no indication of early access or staggered regional release. According to a GameTyrant overview published on 14 September 2026, Nivalis Nights is launching exclusively on PC at this time, with no console versions announced. Players interested in following the game's progress can do so via its Steam and Epic Games Store pages, as well as through official social channels and Discord.

For context, the scale of anticipation for Nivalis Nights is notable even among recent high-profile releases. While other genres have seen similar wishlist surges, it is rare for a life simulation game-especially one with a cyberpunk setting-to reach this level of pre-release engagement. This places Nivalis Nights in a unique position as it approaches launch, with expectations shaped by both its genre and the studio's previous work. As reported earlier, the September release calendar is crowded, but Nivalis Nights stands out for its blend of simulation and narrative ambition.

Feature Set and Player Options

The confirmed feature list for Nivalis Nights includes open-ended city exploration, business management, ingredient sourcing, home customisation, and a social system that supports both friendship and romance. Players can choose to focus on entrepreneurship, personal relationships, or simply enjoy the city's atmosphere. The game's design encourages a range of playstyles, from ambitious expansion to quiet domesticity.

There is no mention of multiplayer, live-service elements, or post-launch content plans in the current announcement. The absence of these features suggests a single-player focus at launch, though future updates have not been ruled out. The studio's communication has emphasised player agency and the freedom to shape one's own experience within the city.

Understanding the significance of Steam wishlists is key to interpreting this announcement. A wishlist is not a pre-order or a sale, but it is a strong indicator of player interest and potential launch momentum. High wishlist numbers can influence platform visibility and algorithmic promotion, especially on Steam, where games with large wishlists often receive prominent placement at launch. For developers and publishers, reaching the one million mark is a rare achievement that can translate into substantial day-one engagement, though actual sales will depend on player reception and post-launch support. According to IGN Italia and Game*Spark, this milestone is particularly significant for ION LANDS, given the studio's previous experience with Cloudpunk and the exponential growth in community anticipation for Nivalis Nights.