Cairn is one of those indie games that takes you by surprise.
The art style is cartoony, yet absolutely beautiful, and the atmosphere pulls you in immediately.

The gameplay is intense and definitely not easy. You feel every bit of tension through the DualSense (PS5) while climbing. And it’s not just about climbing, survival is a big part of the game. You need food, water, prepare meals, rest, and you even have to take care of your hands. As your hands get wounded, you’ll need tape for better grip. These little details make everything feel incredibly realistic.

The game allows you to disable needs if you want an easier experience, which is a great accessibility option.
I’m also very thankful for the fall rewind option on the easiest difficulty. Without it I never would have reached the top.

Cairn also carries a deeper meaning about choices, risks, and what drives a person forward.
The soundtrack is fantastic. It’s from the same composers behind Road 96, one of my favorite indie games.

A stressful, beautiful, meaningful climbing experience. One of the most unique indie games I’ve ever played. Also plays great on Steam Deck.