Physics & Controls Guide

The Golden Rule: 3 Points of Contact

Cairn calculates center of mass. If you lift a hand while your body is leaning away from the wall, you will swing (barndoor) and likely peel off.

• Stable: 2 Feet + 1 Hand planted. Move the free hand.
• Stable: 2 Hands + 1 Foot planted. Move the free foot.
• Unstable: 1 Hand + 1 Foot. Aava will struggle to hold position.

Input Guide

Limb Selection

• Auto-Select: Pushing the stick towards a hold usually selects the nearest limb. Good for easy terrain.
• Manual Select (Critical):
  • PlayStation: Hold R1 + Left Stick.
  • Xbox: Hold RB + Left Stick.
  • PC: Space + Scroll (or specific keys).
  • Why? Use this to cross-through (e.g., reach right hand across left side) or to force a high foot step.

Grip & Movement

• Grab: Square / X / LMB. Hold to grip.
• Release: Let go of button (or toggle setting).
• Lunging: Hold direction + Grab to make Aava jump/throw for a hold. High stamina cost.

Stamina Actions

• Shake Out:
  • Input: Triangle / Y / Q (while holding still).
  • Mechanic: Recovers stamina in the currently held limbs.
  • Visual: Aava shakes the tired arm.
  • Tip: Wait for the "Green Flash" on the stamina indicator for bonus recovery.

Camera Mode

• Input: L1 / LB / Tab.
• Use: Free cam to look up the route.
• Hud: Highlights holds, piton cracks, and loot (mushrooms/scrap).

Advanced Techniques

The "High Foot"

Aava is stronger with legs than arms.

1. Manually select a foot.
2. Place it high (near hip level).
3. Press input to "Stand up" on that leg.
4. This unweights your arms, allowing almost free stamina recovery for hands.

Smearing

On smooth rock with no holds, you can simply press feet against the flat wall.

• Risk: High slip chance.
• Action: Keep weight directly over the feet. Don't lean back.
• Dependence: Requires good rubber (shoe durability) and dry weather.

The "Rest Step"

On easy terrain, move a limb, then Pause. Let stamina tick up. Move again. Do not spam inputs.