Cairn

GamerFocusJulián Ramírez

9.2/10

Cairn is the first great work of art of 2026. It not only elevates climbing mechanics but uses them to tell a grand narrative about obsession, the human potential to push beyond one's limits, the sacrifices necessary to achieve this, and whether they are worth it. It's an appropriately difficult game and can be frustrating at times, but overcoming each obstacle is supremely satisfying.

PC GamerShaun Prescott

91/100

A brilliant climbing adventure that siphons the rage out of navigation puzzlers like Death Stranding and Baby Steps, resulting in something prickly, but warmly approachable.

SectorSKkordi

9/10

Instead of saving the world, this time we just have to climb the hill and recapitulate our own lives.

The OuterHavenSean Garmer

Cairn sits somewhere between the narrative-focused climb of Jusant and the punishing simulation of New Heights, but it leans harder into survival than either. In this Cairn review, we explore how The Game Bakers turn a simple ascent into something far more demanding, blending stamina management, hunger, and harsh environmental…

Final WeaponSaras Rajpal

Cairn is a magical zen journey into the world of mountaineering. The story is quite compelling with its subtle nature, the visuals utilize the cel-shaded art style beautifully, and the gameplay is perfectly satisfying, making the mechanics of climbing and managing your health feel challenging and fun. While there are some physics glitches, these problems are minor compared to just how good the overall game is.

GamingBoltRavi Sinha

9/10

Very few games have mechanics that sing in such unison like Cairn, much less with such a unique voice. Whether you're a fan of the genre, an adventure junkie or seeking a challenge, make the climb.

Loot Level ChillKieran Singh

8.5/10

Cairn is a deceptively brutal climbing game at times, but the beautiful visuals, varied story threads and tactile mechanics ensure it's a climb worth making.

AltCharEmina Zulic

8/10

Mount Kami has never been conquered, and The Game Bakers’ new game makes sure you’re well aware of that. You will feel every meter of the vertical gain, every dwindling resource, and every questionable handhold between Aava and the summit.

GameSpewKim Snaith

8/10

Frustrating and relaxing in equal measure, there's something quite special about Cairn, a game all about climbing a mountain. It perfectly captures the tension and peril of every hand and foot movement while also weaving in some light-hearted story sequences along the way. While every misplaced foot might make you swear, the elation of reaching each incremental goal is quite unlike anything else.

TechRadar GamingJames Pickard

Cairn is an extremely good and beautifully made climbing game that is exceptional at executing the one specific thing it's trying to recreate. If you go in knowing that and are on board with it, then you'll find a tough yet massively rewarding experience, but some frustrations could cause others to completely bounce off it.

TheSixthAxisGareth Chadwick

8/10

Cairn is a single player, story focused, survival game about climbing a mountain. You won’t be leaping from platform to platform, or swinging round a sledgehammer to propel yourself and your cauldron, though. No, you’ll actually be climbing, moving each of your limbs one at a time to grab handholds and wedge into cracks to scale an entire mountain. It’s not a small one, either, and it’s already populated by the remains of those who have tried and failed to reach the summit before you. It’s a dangerous situation that, somehow, becomes incredibly relaxing and meditative once you get used to it.

Push SquareStephen Tailby

7/10

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