French indie studio The Game Bakers has reached a major commercial milestone with its newly released survival climbing game Cairn. Just three days after launch, the title has already sold over 200,000 copies across PC and PlayStation 5, marking one of the strongest indie debuts of early 2026. The studio shared the achievement through its official social media channels yesterday, highlighting the game’s rapid rise in both sales and player engagement.
Cairn officially launched on 29 January and quickly gained momentum, particularly on PC. The game attracted significant attention on Steam, where it reached a peak concurrent player count of nearly 15,000 users, an impressive figure for a niche, simulation-driven indie release.
Cairn Sales Performance and Player Numbers
According to The Game Bakers, Cairn has surpassed the 200,000 copies sold mark when combining PC and PS5 sales. While platform-specific sales figures for PlayStation 5 have not yet been disclosed, PC performance data paints a strong picture of the game’s early success.
On Steam, Cairn entered the platform’s Top Sellers chart shortly after launch and currently ranks 8th, placing it alongside high-profile titles such as Nioh 3, Arc Raiders, and Dead by Daylight. This ranking is particularly notable given the game’s indie status and its focus on a highly realistic, methodical gameplay experience rather than mainstream action.
According to SteamDB, the game’s current performance metrics include:
- Peak concurrent players: 14,996
- Current active players: approximately 7,000
For PC players, Cairn is available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. At the time of writing, there has been no official announcement regarding release dates for Xbox or Nintendo Switch versions.
Critical Reception and Ratings
In addition to strong sales, Cairn has received high praise from both critics and players, reinforcing its reputation as a standout indie release.
- Steam user reviews: Very Positive, based on over 2,400 reviews
- Metacritic score: 84
- OpenCritic score: 87
Notably, Cairn currently holds the distinction of being the highest-rated game on OpenCritic in 2026 so far, a remarkable achievement so early in the year. Reviewers have consistently praised the game’s realism, tension, and immersive design, particularly its commitment to making climbing feel physically and mentally demanding.
Gameplay and Core Mechanics
At its core, Cairn is a survival game built around realistic mountain climbing mechanics. Rather than relying on simplified movement systems, the game requires players to carefully plan their ascent, study the terrain, and identify viable climbing holds.
One of the game’s defining features is its independent control of hands and feet, forcing players to think like real climbers as they manage balance, stamina, and positioning. Every decision carries weight, and a single misstep can end a run, creating a constant sense of risk and tension as players push toward the summit.
This emphasis on realism sets Cairn apart from more traditional action or adventure titles, appealing strongly to players looking for a challenging, simulation-focused experience.
Pricing and Availability
On Steam, Cairn is currently priced at Rs. 1,300, with a 10% launch discount available until 12 February. This accessible pricing, combined with strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, has likely contributed to the game’s impressive early sales performance.
A Breakout Indie Success
The rapid success of Cairn highlights the growing demand for innovative and unconventional indie games. Selling more than 200,000 copies in just three days, securing a top position on Steam’s sales charts, and earning high review scores across major platforms firmly establishes Cairn as one of the most notable releases of early 2026.
For The Game Bakers, Cairn represents not only a commercial triumph but also a validation of their commitment to bold, design-driven experiences that challenge players in new ways. If the game continues on its current trajectory, it could become one of the defining indie titles of the year.