Cairn is expanding with free "On The Trail" DLC Series

Since its release earlier this year, Cairn has stood out for its grounded, physics-based approach to climbing. Players guide Aava, a lone mountaineer, up the steep and hazardous slopes of Mount Kami, carefully balancing stamina, grip, and route selection. The game's emphasis on precision and planning has earned it a reputation as both a challenging and deeply immersive experience.

Ambitious expansion plans

Cairn is set to broaden its climbing experience with the announcement of On The Trail, a new series of free downloadable content from developer The Game Bakers. The initiative will roll out in multiple installments, beginning with On the Trail: Deep Water, which is expected to arrive in summer 2026. The update introduces new environments, gameplay mechanics, and character options, signaling ongoing support for the climbing-focused survival game Cairn.

The headline feature of Deep Water is the addition of water-based climbing routes. This new approach allows players to scale rock formations above open water, fundamentally changing the risk dynamic. Unlike traditional climbs in the base game, where a fall can be punishing, players can now drop safely into the water below and immediately attempt the route again. The mechanic is designed to encourage experimentation while maintaining the game's precise, methodical climbing system.

Alongside this gameplay shift, the DLC introduces three new climbing locations. Each area is crafted to present distinct challenges and to expand the sense of exploration that defines Cairn. The update also ties into a broader narrative thread, following the path of a legendary climber and offering players additional context about the world and its history.

Character variety is another key addition. Players will now be able to climb not only as Ava, the original protagonist, but also as Marco, a newly playable character. This dual-character system adds a layer of replayability, giving players the option to approach routes from different perspectives.

On The Trail represents a long-term content strategy for Cairn, with further free updates planned beyond Deep Water. By steadily introducing new mechanics and locations, the developers aim to extend the game's lifespan while preserving its core focus on careful movement, environmental awareness, and the challenge of the climb. As usual, the cheapest Cairn CD keys are available with our comparator if you want to discover this unique adventure.