Cairn Guides & ToolsCairn Guides & Tools

Start Here: The Survivor's Handbook

Essential "Read Me First" guide for new climbers in Cairn.
Feb 2, 2026

Welcome to Cairn. This isn't just a climbing game—it's a survival simulation where every move costs energy and every mistake has consequences.

If you're new to the mountain, read this page first. It will save you hours of frustration and dozens of falls.

The 3 Golden Rules

1. Don't Rush

Speed kills. In Cairn, moving quickly drains stamina faster than moving deliberately.

  • Take your time.
  • Plan your next 2-3 moves before you leave your current stance.
  • If Aava (the climber) starts shaking, STOP and find a rest spot immediately.

2. Pitons are Checkpoints

You have a limited number of pitons, but dying with full pockets is a waste.

  • Place a piton before difficult sections.
  • If you fall, you fall to your last piton.
  • Think of them as "save points" that you manually place.

3. Plan First (Use the Camera)

Before you start climbing, use the Camera Mode to scout the route.

  • Look for ledges (places you can stand and recover stamina).
  • Look for bivouacs (campsites/permanent checkpoints).
  • Identify the "crux" (the hardest part) of the route so you save energy for it.

Core Mechanics Quick Look

Limb Control

Cairn is a "simulation" climber. You don't just push 'Up' to climb.

  • You control each limb independently.
  • Three points of contact is the safest way to move. Keep 3 limbs on the wall, move 1.
  • Learn more in the Controls Guide.

Reading the Body (Stamina)

There is no stamina bar on the screen. You must watch Aava.

  • Heavy breathing: Stamina is getting low.
  • Shaking limbs: Critical stamina. You are about to fall.
  • Grimacing face: Physical stress.
  • Learn more in the Stamina Management Guide.

The Wall

Not all rocks are equal.

  • Rough rock: Good friction, uses less stamina.
  • Smooth/Wet rock: Bad friction, uses more stamina, higher slip risk.
  • Ice: Requires specific gear (crampons/axes), very slippery otherwise.
  • Learn more in the Reading the Wall Guide.

Your First Climb: A Workflow

Follow this loop for every section of the mountain:

  1. Scout: Enter Camera Mode. Find the next ledge or piton crack.
  2. Plan: Trace the path with your eyes. "Right hand there, left foot there."
  3. Climb: Execute the moves deliberately.
  4. Manage: If you get stuck, don't panic. Shake out your arms (recover stamina) if you have a good hold.
  5. Secure: Reach the target and place a piton or stand on the ledge.
  6. Rest: Recover full stamina before starting the next loop.

I'm Stuck. What do I do?

We built a tool just for this. If you keep falling or don't know where to go:

Open Stuck Diagnoser

Tell us your situation, we'll tell you the solution.

or check the Troubleshooting Guide for common solutions.

Deep Dive: Advanced Topics

Once you master the basics, explore the world of Cairn:

🎒 Gear & Crafting

🗺️ World & Lore