Forget Assassin's Creed: Cairn is the climbing sim we actually needed

We've witnessed the climbing genre evolve significantly over the years, from the choreographed ascents of Assassin's Creed to the whimsical verticality of Grow Home and the co-op chaos of 2025's Peak. Now, French studio The Game Bakers, known for their unique takes on genre conventions, has absolutely nailed it with Cairn, delivering a deeply personal and mechanically demanding climbing sim that's not only scaling the sales charts but also setting an early high bar for 2026's gaming calendar. This isn't just another climb; it's an experience.

Fresh off the success of high-octane slasher Furi and the romantic sci-fi journey of Haven, The Game Bakers have pivoted sharply, presenting us with Aava. She’s a reclusive, professional climber on a singular, relentless mission: to conquer the notorious Mount Kami. Our analysis confirms that Cairn takes a deliberate, simulation-style approach to its core mechanic, evoking the meticulous, limb-by-limb ascents we fondly remember from titles like Grow Home, but with a gravitas and narrative depth all its own. This freeform verticality, reminiscent of the exploration in Breath of the Wild, demands careful route planning and strategic execution.

While the game intelligently defaults to an assisted limb selection, allowing players to focus on pathfinding and resource management, the option for full manual control offers a genuinely high-skill ceiling. We advise all but the most seasoned virtual alpinists to proceed with caution here; a single misstep can send you plummeting. The Game Bakers' ambition to make "each wall feel like a boss fight" is brilliantly realized. This isn't just about reaching the top; it's about mastering the ascent itself. Customizable difficulty options are a welcome QoL feature, ensuring the challenge remains accessible without diluting the core experience.

Success in Cairn hinges on more than just physical prowess. Resource management is paramount, demanding that players meticulously track and deploy vital supplies. This strategic layer elevates the climbing from a simple traversal mechanic to a true test of endurance and planning, echoing the methodical journey of games like Baby Steps or even the meticulous preparations found in Death Stranding.

Key Resources to Manage:

• Food
• Water
• Medicine
• Pitons (critical for checkpoints and recovery)
• Chalk
• Finger Tape

Beyond the mechanics, Cairn excels in its storytelling. Aava isn't just a player avatar; she's a character driven by raw emotion and an unyielding will. The narrative skillfully intertwines her personal journey with the stark, often brutal, environment of Mount Kami. As we ascend, the mountain reveals its secrets: whispers of lost civilizations, fleeting encounters with other adventurers, and the chilling reminders of those who failed. This isn't a purely triumphant narrative; it's a powerful, resonant tale that will stick with you, long after you've unclipped from the summit. And frankly, the stunning landscapes alone are worth the price of admission.

The market has clearly spoken: Cairn has ignited significant hype since launch. The Game Bakers are reporting a staggering 100,000 copies shifted in its first 24 hours on sale. This initial surge is a massive win, validating their bold creative direction. "We're so excited to see so many of you enjoy Cairn," the team shared, adding, "Thank you for joining the ascent. We hope you feel the passion we baked into the mountain."

The team has been proactive with post-launch support, already deploying a patch addressing minor bugs like lingering tutorials. For players encountering frame rate issues on certain hardware, temporary solutions have been provided:

Current FPS Workarounds:

• Windows Users: Add -force-d3d12 to your launch options.
• Linux & Steam Deck Users: Use -force-vulkan for launch options.

Cairn is available now on Steam, and its launch discount makes it an even more compelling proposition for those looking for a fresh, challenging experience.

Availability & Pricing:

We at In Game News believe Cairn has immediately carved out its own niche, offering a deep, atmospheric, and mechanically robust experience that pushes the climbing genre forward. If you’ve been searching for a game that rewards patience, strategic thinking, and emotional investment, then you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It’s an early contender for our top picks of 2026, both literally and figuratively.