How to Climb the Cairn

Climbing is what Cairn is about, and without fully understanding and mastering it, players won't get very far up Mount Kami. In this climbing survival game, each limb is controlled, one at a time, with players needing to find nooks and crannies for Aava to wedge her hands and feet into. This guide will explain how to climb in Cairn and provide some useful tips to master it.

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Cairn climbing basics

To climb in Cairnthe players are coming move the selected part with Left stickpreferably against a ledge, nook or something that is not flat. They will then press Square/X to place Aava's hand or foot.

This will be repeated with each limb, allowing Aava to slowly climb. The game will automatically choose which limb to move next, based on the weight supported by each of them and Aava's posture. But that's it possible to manually select a limb to moveand this should be done from time to time, when there is a specific ledge you want to reach, with a specific limb.

All climbing controls in Cairn

While players mostly just move and place limbs, don't forget about everything else climb controls in Cairn​.

Examples of ledges, nooks and crannies and other cargo spaces in the Cairn

Above are some examples of ledges, nooks, crannies, and protrusions in rock walls that players should aim for, even known as latches. If Aava does not place her hands/feet in or on these, remember to cancel with Circle/B and try again.

Also, use the camera to pan around or upside down to better see if a surface is flat or not. From another angle, you can see a place to aim.

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How and when to use Pitons in Cairn

A Python can be drilled into any stone surface by holding up on the D-Pad. But then there is a small one competence controlwhere players must land the marker in the white box. If successful, the piton will be drilled.

This works as a mini checkpointand if Aava falls from above, she does just drop to this point. She can do that too step off the chamfer here to rest for a while and eat or drink. She can hold the rope and celebrate downor pull yourself up again the rope.

When to use Pitons in Cairn

Pitons are therefore the best gear there is, but as there is only 6 availableplayers must use them sparingly.

• When Aava shakes violently and is about to fall.

• Before a difficult part of the climb, where there are fewer ledges, etc.

• If Aava needs to eat/drink and is off the ground for a while.

• If Aava needs to walk down a wall to reach water, for example.

Pitons can and should be recycled by Climbot. Sometimes only broken parts will be recycled, but if you get two parts they can be restored by Climbot in the tent.

Cairn climbing tactics and tips

After learning the basics, following are some tips to help players climb in Cairn.

Plan your climb

A large part of the success in Cairn is planning your ascent. Even the best climbers would not be able to handle some routes. Therefore, before you set off, use L1/LB to scan the rock surface at a distance and look for lots of ledges and cracks. Ideally there would be somewhere halfway up to rest properly.

Use chalk for smoother parts

Players can apply chalk to Aava's hands past holding right on the D-Pad. Her next 12 hand placements will have extra gripwhich means that smoother surfaces can be climbed. Do not neglect chalk and do not use it too often.

Use the following guide to learn how to do more Chalk in Cairn.

Go down and try another route if it proves too difficult

Stubbornness could get Aava killed. If you're halfway up a route but struggling with the next step and it seems unlikely to work, climb down and choose another path. This kind of patience is the key to completion Cairn.

What to do if Aava starts shaking?

When Aava starts shakingyour first option is to quickly place a hand or foot in a stable place. Her muscles fail, and if stability is not restored, she will fallpossibly to her death.

Another alternative to placing a hand/foot is to quickly drill a piton into the wall and restore security.

Don't worry about weird body angles and twists

Aava is one excellent climber and extremely flexible. Sometimes that means lifting one of her legs up high to reach a ledge or hatch. Don't worry that this is an unrealistic position or painful; it's just part of the game, and making such movements is necessary to climb to the top.

Always rotate the camera

Some ledges or hatches can only be seen from a different angle, so be sure to do that constantly rotate the camera to find new options. Continue to use L1/LB to look around too.

Watch out for slippery surfaces

First and foremost, try not to climb when it's raining or too soon after rain. Instead, spend the time in the tent or use the wait function. In addition, some stones, even when dry, can becomes more slippery; these come often look shinyand in some of these places pistons cannot be drilled.

Listen to Aava for signs that she is struggling

There is no stamina bar in Cairnand instead the players must pay close attention to Aava. If she sounds like she's struggling or out of breath, she is. Find one secure grip and then press Triangle/Y to restore some stamina. Using a piton will also fully restore her stamina.

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Use consumables that buffer climbing

Aava has some consumables in her backpack, such as tea which not only quenches her thirst or hunger, but also supplies her with extra focus for a few minutes.

While you don't want to waste these on easy climbs, don't forget them either. When exploring Mount Kami, always be on lookout for preyas finding these consumables can not only help keep Aava alive but also help her climb.

Try not to climb at night

Its harder to see and colder at nightso try to sleep or wait in the tent until dawn.

Take your time

Although there is one more survival element Cairn, and time cannot be entirely taken for granted as supplies begin to run out and night falls, it is also not a breed. Rushing will get Aava killed, so take your time and think about the best moves.

System

Released

January 29, 2026

Developer

The Game Bakers

Publisher

The Game Bakers

Number of players

Single player

Compatibility with Steam Deck

Verified