Less than a week after its January 29, 2026 launch, Cairn has already sold 200,000 copies worldwide. The survival-climbing simulator from The Game Bakers – the team behind Furi and Haven – blasted past 100,000 sales in its first 24 hours and doubled that figure almost immediately, cementing its status as 2026’s first genuine breakout hit.
From Demo Sensation to Sales Phenomenon
Cairn’s road to success started months ago with its demo, which racked up over 500,000 downloads across Steam and PlayStation 5. Players spent an average of 44 minutes with the demo, leaving 99% positive Steam reviews that praised its authentic climbing physics and tense atmosphere. That word-of-mouth converted directly into launch sales, with PCGamesN reporting the 100K day-one milestone within hours of going live.
By February 1, The Game Bakers confirmed the game doubled that total, hitting 200K copies sold. Critics piled on with an 87 Metacritic score, calling it “spellbinding” and “the best climbing game ever made.” Top Gear declared “2026 has already peaked,” while Tech4Gamers dubbed it the year’s first surprise hit.
Why Climbing Works So Well Here
Unlike arcade-style climbers, Cairn nails realistic physics that make every grip feel earned. Players scale sheer rock faces using fingers, ice axes, crampons, and ropes, with stamina management, weather changes, and precarious handholds creating constant tension. Enable the handhold feedback indicator and you’ll discover holds that don’t immediately register, forcing careful route planning.
The single-player journey follows a determined climber tackling impossible peaks, blending zen exploration with pulse-pounding survival moments. Reddit users rave about its balance: “Calming atmosphere alongside intense fear,” one wrote. Another finished the 10-15 hour campaign and called it “the finest climbing experience available, 8/10.”
Indie Success Built on Smart Strategy
The Game Bakers earned this triumph. Their demo launched strategically in December 2024 on Steam (440K downloads) and June 2025 on PS5 (100K downloads), building massive wishlists. Viral TikTok showcases – especially from Indonesian creators – drove millions of views, while Steam Fest dedicated space to the emerging idle-climbing subgenre.
Priced at $26.99 with a 10% launch discount through February 12, Cairn hit Steam’s top sellers immediately. It runs decently on Steam Deck at 30fps low settings, broadening its handheld appeal. Regular patches address bugs and balance issues based on player feedback.
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Launch | Dec 2024 (Steam) | 440K downloads, 99% positive |
| PS5 Demo | June 2025 | 100K downloads, 4.6 stars |
| Full Release | Jan 29, 2026 | PS5, PC |
| Day 1 Sales | Jan 30 | 100K+ copies |
| 200K Sales | Feb 1 | 1 week post-launch |
Critical Acclaim Highlights Excellence
Reviewers can’t stop praising Cairn’s authenticity. “Perfect climbing mechanics,” writes one Reddit user. “Hard to believe it took this long for someone to nail it.” Others compare it favorably to Peaks of Yore and White Knuckle but call Cairn “the most authentic.” Its personal story and stunning visuals elevate it beyond pure mechanics.
– Runs well on Steam Deck (30fps low)
– 10-15 hour campaign with exploration
– New mechanics introduced late-game
– Regular patches improving QoL
Some wish for more length and DLC with additional routes or gym challenges, but the core loop stays engaging throughout.
2026’s Indie Powerhouse Year Begins
Cairn proves indies still lead innovation. While AAA struggles with bloated budgets, small teams deliver fresh experiences that resonate. The Game Bakers joins recent successes like Shape of Dreams (500K sales) and Rusty’s Retirement (200K), showing players reward originality.
Its early-year release raises GOTY concerns – will voters remember this gem come December? For now, Cairn sits comfortably as February’s must-play, with Steam charts and word-of-mouth ensuring long tail sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many copies has Cairn sold?
200,000 copies as of February 1, 2026 – just days after its January 29 launch. It hit 100K in the first 24 hours alone.
Is Cairn on Steam Deck?
Yes, it runs playable at 30fps on low settings. Users report solid handheld performance for on-the-go climbing.
How long is the Cairn campaign?
10-15 hours depending on exploration. Core climbing stays engaging throughout with late-game mechanic additions.
What’s the demo like?
Extremely positive – 99% Steam rating, 44 minute average playtime. Over 500K total downloads built massive hype.
Does Cairn have multiplayer?
No, it’s single-player focused. The personal climbing journey emphasizes solo tension and accomplishment.
What’s the price and discount?
$26.99 / £22.49 with 10% launch discount through February 12, then $29.99 standard. Excellent value for its polish.
Any DLC planned?
Not announced, but players want additional routes or gym challenges. Patches continue improving core experience.
Why is Cairn getting such praise?
Authentic physics, perfect climbing feel, atmospheric tension, personal story. Reviewers call it 2026’s early GOTY contender.
Conclusion
Cairn proves lightning can strike twice for The Game Bakers. Its 200K sales milestone just scratches the surface of a game redefining climbing simulation through uncompromising realism and emotional peaks. Gamers reward innovation, and this survival-climber delivers the rush of real mountaineering safely from your couch. With strong Steam Deck support, critical acclaim, and addictive loop, Cairn looks set to summit 2026’s sales charts long after other early releases fade. Grab it before February 12 while the discount lasts – every hold feels earned.