This hardcore mountain climbing sim from the studio behind hidden gem Furi looks like it’ll take survival games to new heights

GamesSurvivalSummer Game Fest 2024This hardcore mountain climbing sim from the studio behind hidden gem Furi looks like it’ll take survival games to new heightsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesSurvivalSummer Game Fest 2024This hardcore mountain climbing sim from the studio behind hidden gem Furi looks like it’ll take survival games to new heightsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: The Game Bakers) Cairn, announced atSummer Game Fest, is the latest game from The Game Bakers, the indie studio behindthe impressive shoot ‘em upFuri. That bright and bombastic game is what would happen if you fused Mortal Kombat chaos with an anime sunset, but the unconventional climbing game Cairn hums with the more subtle power of a stone. According to press materials, Cairn “is a realistic mountain ascent adventure with an intuitive climbing simulation that lets players climb naturally, seamlessly moving arms and legs.” “Climbers are free to explore the mountain, read the rock face and decide on their route. Climbing is challenging, with difficult sections to navigate, and equipment and pitons must be used wisely,” the press release continues. “In the unforgiving high-altitude environment, climbers need to manage their resources and physical condition and make the most of what they can find, foraging for food or water or setting up a bivouac.” You play the windswept game as Aava, a professional climber trying to scale a difficult mountain no one has ever managed to vanquish. Cairn’s reveal trailer suggests that, despite her rock-hard determination, Aava will struggle intensely to reach her goal; there seems to be a lot of screaming involved. “With Cairn, we are exploring a new genre that we named ‘survival-climber,'” creative director Emeric Thoa says in the press release. “It feels extremely natural and intuitive, yet the challenges of the mountain will test players’ determination.” Other contemporary climbing and traversal games, including Death Stranding and the Steam-favorite indie climberPeaks of Yoreall seem to share this goal. Their mountains have sharp heads and slippery sides, forcing players to confront the true-to-life intractability of nature. And their own shortcomings. “It’s about pushing beyond your limits, and breaking free from your obsessions,” studio CEO Audrey Leprince says in the release. The Game Bakers plan to release Cairn on Steam and consoles in 2025.Keep the challenge going with the10 best survival games to test your will to live. 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the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”