Cairn

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Climbing Mechanics: Players appreciate the unique and realistic climbing mechanics, which require careful planning and execution of moves, providing a sense of immersion and tension.
• Atmospheric Experience: The game features stunning visuals, effective sound design, and a beautiful soundtrack that enhance the overall experience, making players feel deeply connected to the environment.
• Exploration and Discovery: Users enjoy the exploration aspect, with hidden secrets, caves, and lore that reward curiosity and attentiveness.
• Emotional Impact: The narrative and character development resonate with players, provoking reflection on themes such as ambition, sacrifice, and the human experience.
• Replayability: Many players find the game has high replay value due to the different routes and challenges available.

The main cons of the game

• Auto Limb Selection Issues: Many reviews highlight frustrations with the automatic limb selection system, which often fails to prioritize the correct limbs, leading to unnecessary falls and frustration.
• Difficulty Spikes: Some players note that the difficulty increases significantly in the later stages, which can feel punishing and detract from the overall enjoyment.
• Performance Problems: Several users report technical issues, including bugs, frame drops, and optimization problems, particularly on certain hardware like the Steam Deck.
• Narrative Delivery: Some players feel that the cutscenes disrupt the flow of gameplay and that the story could be delivered in a more engaging manner.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Depth in Survival Mechanics: Some players wish for a more robust survival system that affects gameplay more meaningfully, as the current weather and resource management aspects feel underdeveloped.
• Localization Options: There are requests for additional language support, particularly for Ukrainian, to make the game more accessible to a wider audience.
• Multiplayer or Co-op Mode: A few users expressed interest in a multiplayer feature that would allow for cooperative climbing experiences with friends.
• Easier Casual Mode: Some players desire a more narrative-focused mode that allows them to experience the story without the demanding gameplay mechanics.

Summary

• Overall, "Cairn" is praised for its unique climbing experience and emotional depth, but it faces criticism regarding technical issues and certain gameplay mechanics that could be improved.

Summary generated on: February 23, 2026