The climb of a lifetime is almost here. Indie studio The Game Bakers — the team behind Furi and Haven — is preparing to launch Cairn on January 29, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Steam, bringing a thoughtful, story-driven survival climber to players who crave challenge, atmosphere, and meaning in every step upward.
Priced at $29.99 with an early launch discount, Cairn will also release a Deluxe Edition featuring a Kami travel guide by comic artist Mathieu Bablet and three exclusive keepsakes, available for $36.99 (discounted to $34.20 for a limited time).
A Survival Climber With Heart — and High Stakes
Cairn isn’t just about surviving the slopes. It’s about what compels someone to climb them at all.
You play as Aava, a determined alpinist who has trained her whole life for the ascent of Mount Kami — a mountain no one has ever conquered. Her journey becomes both physical and deeply personal, reflecting on ambition, sacrifice, and the allure of the impossible.
According to Creative Director Emeric, Cairn explores not only the mechanics of climbing but the spirit behind it — why people risk everything for the summit.
The Mountain Is Alive — And It Remembers
Across roughly 15 hours of gameplay, Cairn captures both the exhilaration of the ascent and the isolation that follows Aava as she leaves everything behind.
Along the climb, players will:
- Plan and execute routes carefully
- Manage pitons, ropes, and precious resources
- Endure dangerous weather and harsh terrain
- Discover relics of past expeditions
- Uncover secrets of an ancient troglodyte culture
Nearly one hour of cinematic cutscenes and a cast of ten actors deepen the emotional weight of Aava’s mission, making Mount Kami feel less like a backdrop and more like a living force.
Completionists looking to explore optional content and modes can expect up to 18–20 hours of mountain time.
Already One of the Most Anticipated Climbs of 2026
Cairn has already found its audience ahead of launch:
- Over 700,000 Steam wishlists
- A 99% positive demo rating after 600,000 downloads
- Huge visibility thanks to the PC Gaming Show Most Wanted showcase
Players aren’t just curious — they’re ready.
Why Cairn Stands Out Among Survival Games
The survival genre is crowded — but Cairn climbs its own path thanks to:
- A grounded, realistic climbing system
- A narrative that respects the dangers of the sport
- A calm yet haunting atmosphere
- Purposeful difficulty that rewards patience and planning
It’s less about fighting enemies and more about conquering doubt, fear, and the mountain itself.
Standard or Deluxe — Choose Your Climb
Players can choose between:
Standard Edition
Base game, full journey, launch discount.
Deluxe Edition
Includes the Kami travel guide and exclusive keepsakes inspired by Aava’s expedition, all at a discounted launch price.
Steam and PS5 editions launch January 29, 2026.
Prepare for the Ascent
If you’re fascinated by minimalist storytelling, precise mechanics, and survival experiences built around personal challenge, Cairn deserves a spot on your radar — and on your wishlist.
The mountain is waiting. The question is simple: How far are you willing to climb?
