Cairn

Cairn is an uncommon proposal in modern gaming: a climbing simulator that focuses on realism, survival, and deliberate decision-making. Developed by The Game Bakers, the studio behind Furi and Haven, the game puts players in the role of Aava, a professional mountaineer determined to conquer the never-before-climbed Mount Kami.

Rather than simplifying climbing, Cairn makes it the absolute core of the experience. Every handhold matters, every mistake has a cost, and every meter gained feels like a genuine achievement.

Realistic climbing, no shortcuts

Cairn’s greatest strength lies in its climbing system, designed to convey the physical and mental tension of ascending an impossible mountain. There are no preset routes or automatic animations: players must read the rock face, plan their moves, and place hands and feet with precision.

The freedom of movement allows players to climb almost any surface, turning each section into a physical puzzle where technique is just as important as intuition.

Key elements of the climbing system:

• Precise hand and foot placement
• Realistic balance and posture management
• Stamina and strength control
• On-the-fly route planning
• Strategic use of climbing gear

A single mistake can lead to a dangerous fall, making every wall as intense as a boss fight in other genres.

Survival at high altitude

Cairn is not just a climbing game, but a full survival experience. As Aava ascends, players must manage essential resources such as food, water, ropes, pitons, and medical supplies.

Exploring beyond obvious routes may uncover valuable resources, but also brings added risks. Dynamic weather and the day-night cycle directly affect difficulty, forcing players to decide when to push forward and when to stop and rest.

Every decision has clear consequences: using gear to secure a difficult section may save you now, but leave you vulnerable later.

How does Cairn tell its story?

Unlike many simulators, Cairn integrates a strong narrative without interrupting gameplay. During the ascent, Aava communicates with characters from the valley and encounters unexpected figures, gradually revealing the history of Mount Kami and the personal reasons driving her climb.

The mountain itself acts as a narrative device. The higher you climb, the more you uncover about the place’s past and about the protagonist herself. The story unfolds organically through the environment and small interactions, without relying on lengthy cutscenes.

Narrative direction was developed in collaboration with renowned artist Mathieu Bablet, reflected in a strong visual and thematic identity.

Audiovisual presentation and immersion

Cairn’s visuals convey both the beauty and hostility of the mountain. The landscapes are imposing, with lighting that shifts according to time and weather, reinforcing the feeling of being in a living, dangerous environment.

Animations stand out for their realism, showing the physical strain behind every movement. Sound design, handled by a team with experience on titles like Limbo, Inside, and Control, enhances immersion with subtle ambient sounds and a soundtrack that knows when to support the moment and when to fade away.

System requirements

Operating system: Windows 10
Processor: Intel i7-6700 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: GTX 1050 Ti / RX 570
Storage: 10 GB available

Cairn is a singular experience that respects the real complexity of climbing and makes it accessible without losing depth. Its blend of realistic mechanics, survival management, and environmental storytelling creates an intense, introspective, and challenging journey.

It is not a game for fast-paced action, but for those who enjoy calculated risk, focus, and the satisfaction of overcoming the seemingly impossible. For adventure and exploration enthusiasts, Cairn offers a summit truly worth reaching.