Cairn Review – Survive the Climb

Cairn sits somewhere between the narrative-focused climb of Jusant and the punishing simulation of New Heights, but it leans harder into survival than either. In this Cairn review, we explore how The Game Bakers turn a simple ascent into something far more demanding, blending stamina management, hunger, and harsh environmental systems with a surprisingly personal journey.

Here, the mountain is not just scenery. It is an opponent. Every step upward is a calculation, every mistake a setback. The struggle becomes both physical and internal, pushing beyond simple traversal into something far more deliberate.

Game Details

Game: Cairn
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC (Reviewed on PC)
Developer: The Game Bakers
Publisher: The Game Bakers
Release Date: January 29, 2026

Aava: Cairn’s Player Conduit

Cairn begins with Aava learning the basics of the climbing mechanics by practicing on a few rock-climbing towers. On the surface, the climbing towers make the process appear simple due to the easy-to-spot handholds. However, the final challenge of the tutorial area is essentially climbing the bottom rung of the mountain itself, giving players a peek at what lies ahead. It does not take long for the gameplay intricacies to surface, for better or worse. Although it took me quite a few attempts to reach the top and enter that opening area, I learned something each time Aava yelled in frustration at another fall.

Aava’s appearance is striking, not in a conventional way, but in her uniqueness. Most of Cairn is spent staring at her back as you painstakingly control her movements. During quieter moments, when you are walking around, you see her face. Even without dialogue, the emotion is there. There is no one else in gaming that looks like her, and she becomes a powerful player conduit. As she struggles, you begin to question your own decisions with every step toward the summit.

The Mountain Tells the Tale

The act of climbing the mountain is arduous and will prove insurmountable for some. For those willing to match its required patience, however, there is a rewarding throughline. Cairn‘s narrative delivers poignant moments that make the ascent worth enduring. I will avoid specifics, as this is best experienced unspoiled.

The game establishes its systems early. Aava must manage both physical stamina and lung capacity. Short bursts can be regained by standing still, but true recovery comes from sleeping at camp, drinking, applying first aid, or eating. Rest areas, which double as save points, are sparse. Inventory management becomes crucial. All of these elements work together cohesively, adding realism without becoming overbearing.

There are survival mechanics as well. Aava gathers food, refills water bottles, and cooks at campsites. Sleeping alone does not restore everything. Still, the majority of the experience remains focused on the climb itself.

About That Climb

Continuing up the mountain can take you through the full range of emotions depending on how well you grasp the mechanics. On paper, it sounds simple. Find a crevice for Aava’s hands and feet, then find the next until you reach the top of a section. The beauty of Cairn lies in how deceptive that simplicity can be.

You can scan the mountain before climbing or while already on it. This becomes essential. A route that appears easy at first may leave you stranded halfway up with no viable handholds. Sometimes the harder initial path leads to a smoother ascent later.

This is where frustration and satisfaction intertwine. A crevice might work as a handhold but not a foothold. If Aava fails to gain proper positioning, stamina drains, the screen darkens, and you hear her gasping before she falls. Depending on the distance, that fall may mean death.

Ways to Get Around

The game provides pitons as emergency fall stoppers, along with indicators that confirm proper limb placement. You can disable these aids for a tougher challenge. Once you understand how they function together, the climb becomes more manageable. However, pitons include a timing-based mechanic. Press too early or too late and they fail, sometimes breaking entirely.

Reaching the next area may reward you with a full campsite and resources, or nothing at all. This unpredictability reinforces the need to manage stamina and supplies carefully. Expending everything too soon can leave you stranded with another mountain face ahead.

The Splendor of Outside

The scenery in Cairn is breathtaking. Each higher notch reveals a new vista that feels like a reward in itself. The art style ties everything together seamlessly, making the climb visually worthwhile.

The music and sound design further immerse you. Subtle audio cues signal danger, exhaustion, or progress. Whether Aava is tangled awkwardly or struggling for breath, the soundscape enhances the tension and reinforces the interconnectedness of the systems.

Playing Mind Games

What I appreciated most about Cairn is how it teaches through failure. Every misplaced limb becomes a lesson. Methodical movement replaces rushing. Stocking supplies, retaping hands, and planning routes become second nature. It becomes as much a mental challenge as a mechanical one.

Initially, I feared it might veer toward something intentionally punishing like Baby Steps. With time, that proved untrue. The challenge pushes you to the edge without becoming cruel. There is also an easier story mode that simplifies systems for those more interested in the narrative journey.

Cairn: An Incredible Experience

Even if Cairn is not your usual type of game, it is worth taking the challenge. It stands as one of the most memorable survival experiences of the year, pushing the climbing genre forward through deliberate systems and emotional weight. The Game Bakers have elevated what a climbing game can be.

Review Disclosure Statement: A digital code for Cairn was provided to us by Pop Agenda for review purposes. For more information on how we review video games and other media or technology, please review our Review Guideline and Scoring Policy.