Cairn Climbing Game Adds Free Solo Mode for the Ultimate Challenge
If you tried the demo for the upcoming climbing game Cairn and found it too easy, you are in for a surprise. The developer, The Game Bakers, has just announced a new Free Solo mode that strips away all safety equipment, forcing players to tackle the game’s difficult ascents without a rope or pitons.
In a typical Cairn climb, as in most rock climbing games, you must carefully manage your rope and the pitons you hammer into the rock face. These pitons act as anchors, catching your fall and preventing you from plummeting to the ground if you slip. The new Free Solo mode removes this entire safety system. Every move becomes a permanent commitment, transforming each climb into a tense, high-stakes roguelike run where a single mistake means starting over from the very beginning.
The term Free Solo is borrowed directly from the extreme sport of rock climbing, where individuals attempt to scale massive rock faces without the use of ropes, harnesses, or a climbing partner. This dangerous practice was brought to mainstream attention by the documentary Free Solo, which followed climber Alex Honnold on his historic rope-less ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
Adding this brutally challenging mode feels like a natural fit for Cairn. The game is already designed to be a demanding simulation. Players must control each of the climber’s four limbs independently, creating a methodical and physically taxing climbing experience. On top of that, you need to manage vital survival metrics like hunger and thirst, all while carefully rationing a limited inventory of supplies.
This level of difficulty sets it apart from other recent climbing games, such as the more relaxed and atmospheric Jusant, which prioritized fluid movement and a sense of wonder over realistic survival challenges. Cairn is firmly aimed at players seeking a tough, rewarding test of skill and patience.
For those eager to experience this punishing new way to play, the Cairn demo is available to download now on PS5 and PC. The full game, complete with the harrowing Free Solo mode, is scheduled for release on both platforms on November 5, 2025.