Cairn, an indie mountain-climbing simulator from French developer Game Bakers, is making headlines in the gaming world. A game focused purely on mountain climbing simulation has managed to set a new milestone of 200K copies sold. This is a huge number for an indie game with such a specific niche.
Released on January 29, 2026, the game has already sold more than 200,000 copies across PC and PlayStation 5 in under four days, marking a notable achievement for a niche simulation title.
The milestone was confirmed by Game Bakers on social media, where the team celebrated reaching the figure so soon after launch and welcomed 200,000 players to the mountain. Cairn also made a splash on Steam’s charts, hitting the Top Sellers list and maintaining the momentum.
What Makes Cairn Stand Out
Cairn does not follow the typical action or adventure game formula. Instead, it blends heavy simulation with survival elements to create a climbing experience that is as thoughtful as it is tense. Players control professional mountaineer Aava as she attempts to scale the fictional Mount Kami, a towering and unforgiving peak.
The gameplay is all about precision. You don’t climb by holding a single button, but instead you have to control all four limbs individually. You need to find stable places to hold with your hands and read the rock face to find a good foothold. On top of that, you also have to manage resources like stamina, food, and water. The Game Bakers went all in to give you the best mountain climbing experience possible.
These mechanics give Cairn a deliberate pace and a sense of physicality that stand out in a market crowded with more arcade-leaning experiences. Pair that with the surreal visual fidelity and the cell-shaded artstyle, and you almost have a therapeutic experience climbing the mountain.
What Comes Next
While Cairn has made a strong start on PC and PS5, the game’s future is still unfolding. There is no confirmed release date yet for Xbox or Nintendo platforms, leaving room for further growth as the title reaches new audiences.
If current trends continue, Cairn could become one of the breakout indie successes of 2026, showing that even niche simulation experiences can find a dedicated audience with the right mix of design, challenge, and atmosphere.
For now, climbing fans and curious players alike seem eager to see how far Cairn can go.
