Cairn:  Why 100,000 Players Are Addicted to This Brutal Climber

By Ryan Messina Gaming News
31 January 2026 no comments

Your palms are sweating, aren’t they? They should be. There’s a specific kind of vertigo that only hits when you’re hanging by your fingertips, staring at a drop that means instant game over.

Cairn isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about the terrifying, meditative silence in between. And apparently, a lot of you are loving the adrenaline.

The Summit Rush: 100,000 Climbers in 24 Hours

The Game Bakers, the minds behind Furi and Haven, have struck gold on the grey rock. They just announced that over 100,000 players bought Cairn in its first 24 hours.

That’s a massive number for an indie survival climber. It’s not just sales, though. The reception has been stellar. We’re looking at an 87 on OpenCritic and a “Very Positive” 94% rating on Steam.

Right now, it’s sitting comfortably in the global Top 10, trading blows with viral hits like Half Sword. Unlike the chaotic physics brawlers usually dominating the charts, Cairn offers something different: a grueling, deliberate battle against gravity and your own patience.

100,000 climbers have taken to Kami's walls in just 24 hours!
Thank you for joining the ascent. We hope you feel the passion we baked into the mountain! pic.twitter.com/yeMygBQkmu

— The Game Bakers (@TheGameBakers) January 30, 2026

Gameplay: The Art of Not Letting Go

So, what does it actually feel like to play? Think of it as a strategy game played with your limbs. You control Aava, a climber obsessed with conquering the unconquered Mount Kami.

You aren’t just pushing a stick forward to climb. You’re often controlling individual hands and feet, searching for the right crevice.

The tension comes from the lack of UI clutter. You don’t stare at a stamina bar; you listen to Aava’s breath. You watch her legs tremble. If she starts gasping, you’re seconds away from a fall. It manages to mix technical climbing with survival mechanics. You aren’t just fighting the wall; you’re managing hunger, thirst, and the biting cold.

You’ll find yourself patching up bloody fingers at a bivouac, wondering if you have enough pitons to make the next ascent safe. It’s punishing, but it captures that “man vs. nature” conflict perfectly. If you loved the documentary Free Solo, this is basically the interactive version—minus the actual risk of death, thankfully.

Are you looking for a Fast-Paced FPS instead? Learn more about our Top 10 List of the Best Arena Shooters!

Is the Price Worth the Climb?

Currently, the standard edition goes for roughly $29.99 / €29.99. Given the replayability and the sheer polish of the climbing mechanics, it’s a solid price point.

There aren’t many microtransactions clogging up the experience, which is a major relief. If you’re looking for deals, the launch window usually sees small discounts on third-party key sites, so keep an eye on the widget below.

Verdict: Should You Climb Mount Kami?

If you get frustrated easily, Cairn might break you. It demands patience, precision, and a willingness to fail. But if you want an experience that genuinely simulates the physical and mental toll of high-altitude climbing—without leaving your chair—this is a masterpiece.

It’s tense, beautiful, and deeply rewarding when you finally pull yourself over that ledge.

Are you the type to use all the assist modes to enjoy the view, or are you going for the hardcore simulation run?

Ryan Messina

A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

Cairn:  Why 100,000 Players Are Addicted to This Brutal Climber

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