Cairn News

[p]Hi climbers,[/p][p][/p][p]It’s time! Ghostly apparitions are now available in Cairn’s demo. They’re not all that scary though, we think.[/p][p][/p][p]You can climb Tenzen alongside selected community, dev and content creators ghosts, and see what everyone’s been getting up to. Maybe you can try something new?[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]We’re bringing the routes contest back! We're excited to see what you can come up with. Here are the categories :[/p]

• [p]Most unexpected route - can you find one no ghost is taking?[/p]
• [p]Most difficult free solo route - no pitons![/p]
• [p]Funniest route - get creative[/p]

[p]To enter, send us a screenshot of the route recap screen at [email protected] before October 20th, 2025, at 6pm CEST (9am pst)[/p][p][/p][p]The winners will receive some of the exclusive Cairn merch, like these postcards of the posters in the demo! [/p][p]A special thank you to Alex Baena, Mugthief, and Ravs for joining the ghosts ✨[/p]

[p]Hi climbers,[/p][p][/p][p]We’re bringing another update to the demo, and it’s for a limited time only![/p][p][/p][p]Starting on October 13, you’ll be able to see selected ghosts climbing Mount Tenzen with you. You can race them, learn how they tackle some particularly difficult routes, or sit back and watch the chaos unfold.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]We’ve been truly touched by the reception of Cairn’s demo, and we wanted to celebrate the incredible community that has formed around it. We hope you enjoy the update as much as we did making it ![/p]

[p]Hi Climbers, [/p][p][/p][p]Today we're bringing both good, and not so good news, but there's still some good in it. We've decided to delay the launch of Cairn on PC and PS5 to Q1 2026 so we can spend a bit more time on debug and optimisation. [/p][p]To bridge the gap we're bringing an update to Cairn's demo on October 13, with ghosts of other players in the demo![/p][p] [/p][h2]Cairn launching Q1 2026[/h2][p]The team has made the tough decision to delay Cairn to ensure that it launches at its best. Our goal has always been to create games you remember long after playing them, and for Cairn, despite our best efforts, this requires a little more time.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve been running a lot of playtests, and you’ve let us know that we have something truly special with Cairn. Still, we also see the improvements we can still make to give you the best game we can. After five years of work, so close to our goal, we don't want to rush it. [/p][p][/p][p]With the game content complete, we’re going to use the extra few weeks to focus on optimization, debug, and polish. “It’s not on the mountains we trip, but on the small pebbles". [/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for your patience as we finish polishing Cairn. [/p][p]The mountain is in sight.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Demo Ghost Update![/h2][p]In really exciting news though, we’ve been working with the community on a special demo update![/p][p] [/p][p]For a limited time, you’ll see ghosts of other players climbing alongside you on Mount Tenzen - speedrunners, community members and the dev team. You’ll be able to race the best, learn new techniques or discover new routes and hidden areas. Here's a sneak peek:[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[p]Hi climbers,

Did you enjoy the free solo trailer? Well, there's more!
[/p][p]Along with the free solo reveal, we’re giving you the first track from Cairn’s soundtrack. This first single Only the Mountain by The Toxic Avenger delivers some amazing energy and it’s available on all streaming platforms and Steam for free: https://g4f-records.ffm.to/onlythemountainfromcairn [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The soundtrack is composed by a standout collaboration: Martin Stig Andersen (Control, LIMBO, INSIDE), The Toxic Avenger (Furi, Road 96) and Gildaa. It will launch with the game later this year.  We shared more about their work in this article, you should have a read: [/p][p]https://www.thegamebakers.com/the-great-people-behind-cairns-music/[/p][p][/p]

[p]Hi climbers,[/p][p][/p][p]We’re coming in big with the reveal of Cairn Free Solo mode. With no rope, no piton over the whole mountain ascent, it will test your skills and perseverance for sure! 🧗🏻‍♂️[/p][p][/p][p]Have a watch :[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]In Free Solo mode any fall can be deadly, and if you die it’s a restart from the beginning. Every movement on the wall, every meter you climb is high tension during the hours-long push to the summit. You’ll feel the life or death tension that free solo climbers feel on the wall, knowing there’s no respawning![/p][p][/p][p]With a backpack stripped down to the bare minimum, survival and inventory management become all the more challenging! You’ll also have make good use of your equipment and everything the mountain has to offer, and prepare boosting meals to face the mountain.[/p][p][/p][p]Cairn has been nominated for the Best Audio and Games For Impact Gamescom Awards! And we'd love your support, please vote for Cairn![/p][p]https://www.gamescom.global/en/program/gamescom-award/user-voting[/p]