Time to climb a weird mountain in Cairn, the windy backpacking odyssey from the creators of Haven and Furi

A surge in popularity for climbing simulation games is reshaping the landscape of interactive sports, tapping into a range of emotional experiences for players. From the contemplative exploration of titles like Jusant to the isolating challenges presented in Lorn’s Lure, and the often-comedic struggles of Peak, this genre is attracting a dedicated following.

A New Ascent: ‘Cairn’ Launches on Steam

The latest entry, Cairn, developed by The Game Bakers, offers a somber take on the climbing experience. Players assume the role of a woman with bandaged legs accompanied by a robotic companion, embarking on a journey to the summit of a mysterious mountain. The game features multiple routes and requires players to manage a backpack inventory, suggesting challenges beyond simply scaling the rock face.

Did You Know? The game Cairn was available as a demo in December 2024.

Early impressions, as reported by Nic (RPS in peace), indicate a focus on realistic climbing mechanics. The demo highlighted the absence of automated animations, demanding players carefully consider their supplies, utilize pitons as checkpoints, and manage posture, effort, and balance during each ascent. Steam’s description suggests each wall will present a “boss fight” level of challenge.

A Reaction to Past Gaming Conventions

The rise of climbing sims may represent a shift away from earlier video game climbing mechanics. Prior to the success of Assassin’s Creed, climbing in video games was often characterized by simplistic animations and repetitive actions. The fluidity introduced by Assassin’s Creed, while innovative, may have ultimately led to a desire for a more grounded and challenging climbing experience.

Expert Insight: The current trend suggests a player desire for more agency and realism in virtual climbing, moving beyond the automated systems that previously defined the genre. This could indicate a broader shift in player expectations for interactive sports simulations.

Cairn marks a departure for The Game Bakers, previously known for titles like Haven, Furi, and Squids Odyssey. The studio’s future projects remain uncertain, with speculation even suggesting a potential martial arts romcom set in an alpine seafood restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘Cairn’ about?

Cairn is a climbing simulation game where a woman with bandaged legs and a robotic companion attempt to reach the top of a mysterious mountain, managing supplies and navigating challenging routes.

Who developed ‘Cairn’?

Cairn was created by The Game Bakers, a studio previously known for games like Haven, Furi, and Squids Odyssey.

What was the initial reaction to the ‘Cairn’ demo?

Nic (RPS in peace) was impressed by the Cairn demo, noting the realistic climbing mechanics and the lack of automated animations.

As climbing simulations continue to evolve, will developers prioritize realism and challenge over accessibility and automation?