LOS ANGELES, Calif.— Climbing in video games feels as natural as breathing or walking. You often don’t give it much thought; you just do it. However, the new game from Furi and Haven developers, The Game Bakers, challenges this idea. Their upcoming release, Cairn, focuses entirely on climbing, combining gameplay elements reminiscent of Jusant and, unexpectedly, the browser game QWOP. After experiencing a demo at IGN Live, I’ve added Cairn to my list of highly awaited games.
(Credit: The Game Bakers)
Ups and Downs
First revealed during Sony’s State of Play, Cairn is dubbed a “survival climber.” This implies that climbing isn’t solely about ascending; it also involves strategizing your route and managing your resources and stamina. You take on the role of Aava, a woman intent on conquering the harsh Mount Kami. The initial section is straightforward, like the beginning of any hero’s tale. The demo commenced with a brief tutorial set in a climbing gym. The way Cairn executes movement was immediately impressive.
Anyone who’s been to a rock climbing gym or scaled a wall knows that where you place your hands and feet dictates your duration up there. As I navigated between color-coded holds, the game intuitively decided which limb to use based on weight distribution and Aava’s posture.
This approach reminded me of QWOP. For those unfamiliar, QWOP is a free browser game where you maneuver a character by controlling each limb with separate keys. Cairn adopts a similar concept: Aava’s hand and foot placements impact how swiftly you can climb. When pushed to her limits, her limbs tremble and her breathing becomes labored.
The game isn’t confined to a climbing gym; like Tears of the Kingdom, Cairn allows you to ascend naturally by utilizing a rock formation’s dips, cracks, and curves for balance. Aava is assisted by a helpful, spider-like robot that serves as her belayer. This robot aids Aava in setting up pitons, which are metal spikes that anchor her in place to regain stamina. During these breaks, Aava can rummage through her backpack for stamina-boosting supplies. There’s nothing quite like a chocolate bar for an energy lift.
Staff Picks
Cairn showcases a distinct art style that bathes environments in beautiful, vibrant colors. The cel-shaded graphics make each ascent an eye-catching experience, possibly contributing to the feeling of a “climber’s high,” a state of exhilaration often felt by climbers as they ascend a cliff.
(Credit: The Game Bakers)
Platforms and Launch Date
I approached Cairn with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised by how much the demo captivated me. I can’t wait to dive deeper into Cairn when it becomes available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on November 5, 2025.
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Meet Zackery Cuevas
Analyst, Hardware
