Cairn Launches to Strong Reviews

The climbing simulation game Cairn officially launched on January 29, and early reviews suggest that The Game Bakers — the studio behind Furi — may have delivered another critically successful project.

At the time of writing, Cairn holds an 87/100 rating on OpenCritic, positioning it among the stronger indie releases of the season.

A True Climbing Simulator

According to critics, Cairn fully commits to its core concept: realistic mountaineering. Players chart their own path up a massive mountain, carefully selecting handholds and planning each movement.

The game initially draws players in with:

  • Lush, atmospheric visuals
  • A haunting, immersive soundtrack
  • A calm, almost meditative pacing

But beneath the serene surface lies a punishing system — one mistake can send you plummeting.

The experience blends methodical climbing mechanics with light survival elements, forcing players to manage stamina and limited resources while navigating treacherous terrain.

Praise from Critics

Several outlets highlighted the game’s originality and commitment to its vision.

  • The GameSlayer (9.5/10) described Cairn as one of the most experimental platformers in recent years, praising its deep climbing mechanics and survival layer.
  • Steam Deck HQ (4.5/5) emphasized the satisfying balance between planning and endurance, noting that the brutal difficulty rarely discourages retrying.
  • PlayStation Universe (8.5/10) commended its realistic depiction of harsh climbing conditions.
  • TheSixthAxis (8/10) called it a uniquely relaxing yet dangerous journey.
  • Push Square (7/10) praised the freedom of exploration but pointed out performance issues and pacing concerns.

Not Without Flaws

While the reception is largely positive, reviewers have noted some drawbacks:

  • Difficulty spikes and sparse save points
  • Technical issues and occasional bugs
  • Performance inconsistencies, particularly on handheld devices

The demanding design may not appeal to all players, especially those looking for a more forgiving experience.

Platforms and Availability

Cairn is available now on:

  • PC (Steam)
  • PlayStation 5

The game includes Russian subtitles.

Strong Early Sales Momentum

Shortly after launch, Cairn crossed an important commercial milestone — the game has now sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.

For a niche climbing simulator with punishing mechanics and minimal hand-holding, this is a significant achievement. The milestone suggests that strong critical reception, positive word of mouth, and a clearly defined gameplay identity helped the title break beyond a purely experimental audience.

Combined with its 87 OpenCritic score, the sales performance positions Cairn as one of the more successful indie simulation releases of the year so far.

Analysis: A Niche Concept That Pays Off

Cairn represents a growing trend in indie development — highly focused simulation experiences built around a single, well-executed mechanic.

Rather than relying on spectacle or constant action, the game embraces:

  • Slower pacing
  • Environmental immersion
  • Tension through vulnerability

In an industry dominated by fast-paced, reward-heavy design, Cairn’s willingness to punish mistakes and emphasize patience feels bold.

It may not become a mainstream blockbuster, but it stands out as a distinctive artistic success — and further cements The Game Bakers as a studio willing to take creative risks.

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