- Publisher: The Game Bakers
- Release Date: Jan 29, 2026
- Also On: PlayStation 5
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Jan 29, 2026An atmospheric climbing simulation, but weaknesses in the core mechanics and shortcomings in the story prevent Cairn from reaching its full potential.
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Jan 29, 2026Cairn is a bold and demanding climbing experience that constantly requires your full attention, leaving a strong impression through its freedom, atmosphere, and protagonist Aava. At the same time, rough controls, technical issues, and questionable design choices create noticeable friction. For fans of slow, challenging simulations, this is a climb worth attempting—but it’s not a mountain everyone will want to conquer.
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Jan 29, 2026Cairn is a zen, meditative survival game defined by the intentionality of its movement and the way you interact with its world - when its protagonist can be prevailed upon to act like the elite athlete she's supposed to be. When it works, it's excellent, but its core system is often too clumsy to bring to bear with the precision required to ape top-level climbing.
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Jan 29, 2026Despite these issues, which are notable, I would recommend Cairn to almost everyone. Even as a thought experiment. It's the kind of passionately designed indie game that deserves attention, even or especially when it gets in its own way. In the moments where it focuses on the pure experience of climbing, it is an atmospheric masterwork. Visually, it is one of the pretties games released this year. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't grab a bunch of awards on art design alone.
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Jan 29, 2026Once acclimated to the core mechanics, climbs become a series of puzzles to solve, rather than tests of might. Some sections are challenging enough to mirror Aava’s frustrations, with me cussing and shouting whenever a foot placement didn’t register properly and made me fall to the previous piston—if I had been smart enough to put one, that is. Despite the monotony, however, I remained determined to see it through. The problem is that the foundation on which Cairn bases these hardships lacks not only a stronger stability, but purpose, as well.
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Jan 29, 2026Cairn is one of those gems we see less and less of these days. It’s a title that plays its hand so well that, just when you think you’ve come for a charming climbing simulator, it delivers a gut punch that makes you question what on earth you’re doing with your life. A superb game, both in its gameplay mechanics and the message it strives to convey. [Recommended]
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Jan 29, 2026Climbing requires you to be aware of everything from your toes to fingertips. The game’s attempt to replicate that is an admirable one, but the gap it tries to bridge between how the human body moves and how a video game character does feels like it doesn’t quite meet in the middle. What’s left is something that rewards a level of patience I don’t think I have anymore. I’ll just keep my feet firmly planted on the ground for now. [Impressions]
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Jan 29, 2026This is a survival game that’s more about walking away from comfort and ease than trying to reclaim it. Cairn is hypnotic and rewarding, but it can be tough and bitter, too.
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Feb 9, 2026I am predisposed to like Cairn: I love long runs, and to me, there are fewer things more satisfying than the feeling of overcoming a seemingly insurmountable obstacle one step at a time. I’ve fallen out of running lately, and I’ve missed it. Cairn reminded me what’s possible when you focus just on the next thing in front of you — and of the complex feelings that come with persevering through the quest.
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