Cairn: A patient climbing sim with Steam Deck performance hiccups
TL;DR Summary
Cairn is a thoughtful climbing-survival game from The Game Bakers that blends precise limb control, stamina/food/water management, and a lore-driven ascent of Kami. The PC version shines, but the Steam Deck port is verified yet prone to noticeable frame drops when the mountain is shown broadly, often dipping below 30 FPS. Lowering the resolution and using SteamOS’ FSR helps stabilize performance, though battery drain increases. Despite Deck hiccups, the core climb remains engaging, aided by accessible options (auto-save, fall rewind, etc.) and a save system that rewards careful planning.
- Cairn Review + Steam Deck Performance Steam Deck HQ
- Cairn Review IGN
- Cairn review – obsession, suffering and awe in a climbing game that hits exhausting new heights The Guardian
- ‘In the game, we designed what we call mountain intimidation. It's a system where you can hear the rock depending on where you are looking at it from.��� says Cairn’s creative director of the game’s design and survival elements TechRadar
- A Soulslike where survival is everything and a mountain is the boss Polygon
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