Cairn sets a new release date: January 29, 2026

Indie developer The Game Bakers announced that Cairn, their survival‑climbing game, will launch on January 29, 2026 for Steam and PlayStation 5 at a suggested price of $30. The team delayed the title earlier to add polish; the new trailer confirms the fresh date.

The game blends tense climbing mechanics with a strong sense of place and psychological storytelling. Players take on the role of a climber tackling vertical challenges — and there’s a free‑solo mode for those who want a rope‑free, high‑risk experience.

Quick facts

• Release date: January 29, 2026
• Platforms: Steam (PC) and PlayStation 5
• Price: $30
• Developer: The Game Bakers (known for Haven and Furi)
• Demo reception: The Steam demo has an impressive ~99% positive rating from players

What to expect

Cairn focuses on the physical and mental intensity of climbing: careful route planning, precise movement and resource management. The game emphasizes atmosphere and character, with environmental storytelling that paints a portrait of climbers and the trials they face.

If you missed the demo, you can watch the new trailer and wishlist the game on Steam or the PlayStation Store: Wishlist Cairn on Steam and Wishlist on PS Store.

Why it matters

The Game Bakers have a track record of crafting distinct indie experiences. Cairn’s focus on a climbing survival loop and its demo’s strong reception suggest it could be a standout indie hit in early 2026 — especially for players seeking atmospheric, skill‑based challenges.

Discussion: Are you adding Cairn to your wishlist — and do you plan to tackle it with ropes on or go straight to free‑solo mode? What aspects of climbing games excite you most (mechanics, atmosphere, storytelling)?