Games Like Cairn

Enjoy meditative vibes in Jusant, an action-puzzle climbing game. Scale an immeasurably tall tower and ascend to new heights alongside your watery companion. Master your climbing tools, find your way up through diverse biomes, and piece together the tower’s past.

Why similar: Parkour 19.6%, Cinematic 17.5%, Sports 17.4%, Physics 10.8%, Exploration 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the core focus on meditative, tactile climbing mechanics and atmospheric environmental storytelling.

Travel around The Great Gales to climb challenging peaks in this physics-based climbing adventure set in 1887. Meet like-minded mountaineers, unlock helpful climbing gear, and become a pioneer of mountaineering.

Why similar: Difficult 24.6%, Physics 18.8%, Parkour 13.6%, Exploration 10.7%, Atmospheric 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a challenging, physics-based climbing experience that captures the same sense of accomplishment when reaching a difficult summit.

The ultimate climbing and bouldering simulation game. Test your skills across more than 280 routes on real world crags from the Fontainebleau boulders to Hanshelleren Cave, including the legendary route Silence. Create your own routes and compete with friends for the best sends.

Why similar: Sports 20.8%, Parkour 17.4%, Cinematic 11.7%, Difficult 11.1%, Physics 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, simulation-focused approach to climbing that appeals to those who enjoy the technical side of the sport.

Confront various terrains as a lonely mountaineer and endure the countless dangers of climbing! Many tough decisions await you in a risky environment. Make your way up and down the mountain, overcoming insurmountable heights!

Why similar: Survival 24.6%, Stylized 21.5%, Exploration 13.8%, Atmospheric 13.2%, Adventure 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title mirrors the survival and resource management aspects of high-altitude climbing in a roguelike format.

This is a difficult game about climbing.

Why similar: Difficult 41.5%, Physics 24.2%, Third Person 16.1%, Adventure 11.8%, Singleplayer 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: It leans into the unforgiving and frustrating nature of precision climbing, much like the challenging ascents in Cairn.

Fling yourself into a mountain climbing adventure! Become the first to reach the top of the highest mountain in the world and meet eccentric characters along the way!

Why similar: Parkour 26.1%, Sports 21.7%, Physics 20.6%, Exploration 10%, Action-Adventure 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the physics-based, colorful, and adventurous spirit of scaling treacherous peaks.

Climber: Sky is the Limit is a mountain walking simulator game where you become a winter climber. To succeed you need to plan the trip, prepare appropriate equipment, face extreme weather conditions and survive. Only the sky is the limit!

Why similar: Unforgiving 36.6% ★, Walking Simulator 15.1%, Sports 13.3%, Difficult 10.1%, Survival 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on the logistical and survival challenges of mountaineering, including inventory and stamina management.

A game I made for a certain kind of person. To hurt them.

Why similar: Difficult 57%, Physics 24.4%, Singleplayer 5.6%, Indie 4%, Third Person 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is the quintessential physics-based climbing game that tests player patience and precision in a minimalist environment.

THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.

Why similar: Survival 34.9%, Open World 20.2%, Exploration 11.5%, Atmospheric 9.3%, Walking Simulator 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: While not strictly about climbing, it perfectly captures the unforgiving survival and atmospheric isolation found in harsh, cold environments.

Experience the freedom of unbounded climbing as you take control of BUD, a procedurally animated robot on a quest to save his planet. Create your own path through an alien world as you control and ride a giant plant on a vertical journey to the stars.

Why similar: Open World 25.8%, Parkour 25.4%, Exploration 15.1%, Adventure 8.9%, Physics 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game features unique, limb-based climbing mechanics that make vertical exploration feel rewarding and tactile.

Embark on an unique and unforgettable journey and guide Sable through her Gliding; a rite of passage that will take her across vast deserts and mesmerizing landscapes, capped by the remains of spaceships and ancient wonders.

Why similar: Open World 19.6%, Stylized 18.9%, Exploration 14.6%, Female Protagonist 13.5%, Atmospheric 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes the beauty of exploration and the personal journey of a protagonist traversing a vast, stylized landscape.

You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.

Why similar: Difficult 23.8%, Survival 20.1%, Open World 11.6%, Exploration 11.4%, Atmospheric 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game features a brutal, atmospheric world where survival and navigation are key, echoing the unforgiving nature of Mount Kami.

Face the supernatural dangers of the Olympic Exclusion Zone with a car as your only lifeline in this driving survival adventure! Scavenge resources, load up your trusty station wagon, and drive like hell to make it through alive.

Why similar: Survival 31.2%, Exploration 17.2%, Atmospheric 13.7%, Story Rich 11.8%, Action-Adventure 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game shares the survival-in-a-hostile-environment theme, where managing your equipment is essential for success.

From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?

Why similar: Walking Simulator 21.5%, Open World 17.2%, Cinematic 16.4%, Atmospheric 9.2%, Story Rich 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the deliberate, challenging traversal of difficult terrain, making every step and resource choice feel significant.

In solo or with your friends, explore in total freedom massive-parkour-ready maps. Uncover hidden spots, time trials, trick challenges, and more! In multiplayer, dive into game modes like TAG, Capture The Flag, and Trick Battles!

Why similar: Parkour 28.7%, Sports 23.9%, Open World 11%, Exploration 9.3%, Third Person 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This simulation-heavy game captures the thrill of navigating complex, vertical urban environments.

Leaping from mind-boggling heights, bouncing off Champolines, soaring inches from floating islands, BUD can do it all - that look of mild terror, that’s his daredevil face. Help the adorable little robot collect MOM’s scattered ship parts and return them to the moon.

Why similar: Open World 33.8%, Exploration 21.2%, Adventure 14.2%, Atmospheric 10.7%, Physics 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Expanding on its predecessor, this title offers even more freedom for vertical traversal and exploration in a stylized world.

Take up the challenge and face true high-stakes platforming in Jump King! Struggle upwards in search of the Smoking Hot Babe of legend, but explore with care; a single missed jump could lead to a long fall back down...

Why similar: Difficult 67.4%, Indie 11.4%, Adventure 10%, Atmospheric 6.6%, Singleplayer 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the high-stakes, precision-platforming tension where one mistake can lead to a long fall, mirroring the risk of climbing.

Praey for the Gods is a boss climbing open world adventure game where you play a lone hero sent to the edge of a dying frozen land to explore and solve the secrets of a never ending winter. Grapple, glide and grab hold of massive beasts as you fight to survive and return the world to proper order.

Why similar: Cinematic 17.8%, Survival 12.6%, Open World 12.6%, Action-Adventure 10.6%, Exploration 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It combines survival mechanics with epic, vertical boss encounters that require climbing and resource management.

An android is led through a vast structure by a glitch in his visual system. Lorn's Lure is an atmospheric narrative first-person platformer with novel climb-anything mechanics and modernized retro 3D graphics.

Why similar: Parkour 34.3%, Difficult 18.9%, Action-Adventure 11.2%, Cinematic 9.6%, Exploration 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This atmospheric parkour game focuses on verticality and the isolation of exploring a mysterious, dark world.

Guide a herd of mysterious creatures on a stirring and beautiful journey into the mountains… and beyond.

Why similar: Cinematic 19.4%, Stylized 16.7%, Exploration 12%, Atmospheric 11.9%, Female Protagonist 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers an atmospheric and emotional journey through a beautiful, explorable wilderness.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.

Why similar: Exploration 25.5%, Open World 20.7%, Walking Simulator 14.7%, Adventure 11.5%, Indie 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a relaxing, exploration-focused experience centered on the goal of reaching a mountain summit.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Exploration 27%, Open World 21.7%, Atmospheric 15.1%, Story Rich 14.1%, Adventure 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures the wonder of exploration and discovery in a dangerous, atmospheric environment that rewards careful observation.

Stranded at an abandoned Antarctic research base with no hope of rescue, you must battle a deadly blizzard in a desperate fight to find your way home.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 15.9%, Survival 14.9%, Difficult 12%, Exploration 9.3%, Open World 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the intense struggle for survival in a freezing, isolated environment, similar to the stakes in Cairn.

Explore the vast and beautiful world of Valley using the power of the L.E.A.F. suit: a fierce exoskeleton that grants exceptional speed and agility along with the phenomenal ability to manipulate the life and death of all living things.

Why similar: Parkour 31.5%, Open World 14.5%, Exploration 13%, Walking Simulator 12.3%, Adventure 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features fluid movement and exploration mechanics that make traversing vertical landscapes feel exhilarating.

Firewatch is a single-player first-person mystery set in the Wyoming wilderness, where your only emotional lifeline is the person on the other end of a handheld radio.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 31.9%, Atmospheric 15.2%, Open World 12.8%, Exploration 12.3%, Story Rich 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similarly atmospheric, singleplayer experience that focuses on solitude and the beauty of a wilderness setting.

ABOVE is a challenging climbing game set in a mysterious world. Reach, jump and grab on to rocks and moving objects as you pave your way through the vertical terrain. Experience a mysterious and intriguing world with gameplay that will challenge both your skills and endurance.

Why similar: Cinematic 23.3%, Stylized 18.2%, Action-Adventure 14%, Third Person 13.7%, Exploration 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on precision platforming and action-adventure elements in a third-person perspective.

Climb a massive overgrown concrete tower while constantly at risk of falling and losing precious progress. BETON BRUTAL offers a fluid and responsive first person parkour experience through tranquil brutalist architecture.

Why similar: Parkour 49.4%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Difficult 13.2%, Exploration 12.7%, Physics 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is a precision-platformer that focuses on the satisfaction of mastering difficult, vertical movement paths.

PEAK is a co-op climbing game where the slightest mistake can spell your doom. Either solo or as a group of lost nature scouts, your only hope of rescue from a mysterious island is to scale the mountain at its center. Do you have what it takes to reach the PEAK?

Why similar: Physics 40.5%, Exploration 29%, Atmospheric 16.1%, Adventure 14.4%

From the creators of ABZÛ, The Pathless is the mythic adventure of an archer and an eagle in a vast forest. Become the Hunter, a master of archery who travels to a mystical island to dispel a curse of darkness that grips the world.

Why similar: Stylized 15.3%, Open World 14.2%, Exploration 12.4%, Female Protagonist 10.9%, Atmospheric 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game emphasizes fluid movement and exploration in a vast, atmospheric world that feels both grand and lonely.

Explore an emotional sci-fi game with a unique blend of survival, adventure, and base-building elements. Help Jan Dolski, the sole survivor of an ill-fated space expedition, create alternative versions of himself to escape a hostile planet and tackle personal turmoils with this unconventional crew.

Why similar: Survival 36.6%, Exploration 18.1%, Action-Adventure 15.4%, Third Person 12.5%, Story Rich 7.1%

Albatroz is a backpacking adventure RPG that will take you through majestic landscapes in search of your lost sibling. A tale about knowing when to let go and start over.

Why similar: Survival 20.7%, Walking Simulator 19.1%, Exploration 14.3%, Open World 12.3%, Female Protagonist 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It blends survival and exploration in a nature-focused setting that emphasizes the journey through challenging terrain.

Sam – with companions by his side – sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected?

Why similar: Cinematic 22.5%, Open World 15.3%, Walking Simulator 14.4%, Exploration 11.2%, Action-Adventure 8.3%

Run fast, soar through the air, and master your landings as you speed through procedural worlds to outrun the end of the universe, by yourself and with friends!

Why similar: Parkour 37.6%, Open World 14.1%, Female Protagonist 13.6%, Exploration 10%, Third Person 8%

An atmospheric management RPG about life on the open road. Pick up hitchhikers, work odd jobs, customize and repair your car, and map your route across the country. Use upgrades, skills and items to overcome challenges. And remember to take it easy. You’re young. You have time.

Why similar: Atmospheric 24.3%, Exploration 22.6%, Open World 20.7%, Adventure 11.9%, Indie 8.9%

Ride a massive open world across the Alps, where the powder is always fresh and the run never ends. Defy and master the mountain alone or with friends on skis, wingsuits, snowboards and paragliders. Record and share your best stunts.

Why similar: Sports 47%, Open World 23.9%, Atmospheric 7.4%, Exploration 7.3%, Simulation 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the sports and exploration aspects of mountain traversal in a massive, open-world setting.

Play as Nate, an unemployed failson with nothing going for him, until one day he discovers a power he never knew he had… putting one foot in front of the other.

Why similar: Walking Simulator 27.5%, Difficult 17.6%, Physics 15.2%, Exploration 12.9%, Third Person 12.6%

SNØ is a minimalistic freeriding game. Push your limits for the high score, or simply enjoy the unforgiving procedural wilderness.

Why similar: Unforgiving 38.3% ★, Sports 13.2%, Stylized 10.2%, Difficult 10.2%, Physics 8.2%

Ollie, kickflip, and grind your way through the ash and smoke of the Underworld as you take on a seemingly impossible quest. Skate fast to destroy demons and save other tortured souls on your journey from fragile beginner to a hardened skater.

Why similar: Sports 42%, Stylized 17.1%, Atmospheric 11.7%, Adventure 10.4%, Indie 9.3%

DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent. Sell your catch, upgrade your boat, and dredge the depths for long-buried secrets. Explore a mysterious archipelago and discover why some things are best left forgotten.

Why similar: Open World 23.4%, Exploration 23.3%, Stylized 14.2%, Atmospheric 11.8%, Adventure 8.4%

If war is the closest we get to hell on earth, it's because Earth harbours the worst of demons: humankind. In an isolated country ravaged by infighting, discover the secrets of your past and deal with the repercussions of a mysterious calamity.

Why similar: Third Person 18.1%, Exploration 15.1%, Atmospheric 14.8%, Open World 13.3%, Action-Adventure 12.9%

Cast n Chill is a relaxing fishing game where you explore serene lakes, rivers, and oceans. Catch rare fish, upgrade your gear and reel in legendary catches - all with your loyal companion by your side.

Why similar: Sports 44.5%, Atmospheric 28.4%, Simulation 17.1%, Indie 10%

Dispatch is a superhero workplace comedy where choices matter. Manage a dysfunctional team of misfit heroes and strategize who to send to emergencies around the city, all while balancing office politics, personal relationships, and your own quest to become a hero. All episodes out now!

Why similar: Cinematic 42.3%, Story Rich 31.1%, Singleplayer 8.6%, Atmospheric 7.8%, Adventure 5.2%

ROUTINE is a First Person Sci-Fi Horror set on an abandoned lunar base designed around an 80s vision of the future. Explore and investigate your surroundings as you survive against unknown threats.

Why similar: Cinematic 29.1%, Walking Simulator 23.9%, Atmospheric 13.6%, Exploration 12.8%, Story Rich 8.6%

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Why similar: Exploration 44.8%, Atmospheric 26%, Adventure 13.5%, Indie 10.3%, Singleplayer 5.4%

From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics and solve intricate puzzles to unravel a cosmic mystery.

Why similar: Stylized 29%, Exploration 22.9%, Adventure 17.8%, Atmospheric 16.5%, Indie 8.9%

White Knuckle is a first-person roguelite speed-climbing game. Ascend through the guts of SUB-STRUCTURE 17 using precision movement mechanics. Sharp reflexes and resource management will bring you out from under ten thousand meters of concrete and decay.

Why similar: Parkour 70%, Atmospheric 18.8%, Adventure 11.2%

Experience the wild as a badger sheltering your cubs from harm. On your journey, you will be stalked by birds of prey, encounter perils of the night, cross fierce rivers, escape forest fires and face the looming threat of starvation. Food is to be found, but is there enough for everyone?

Why similar: Survival 15.1%, Walking Simulator 14.1%, Open World 12.6%, Stylized 11.4%, Exploration 9.3%

Fight as the outcast heroes of Talamh in a fierce battle to retake magic from Sun King Azra’s grasp in Absolum, an original roguelite beat ‘em up by Dotemu.

Why similar: Action-Adventure 45.8%, Adventure 36%, Indie 18.2%

From Moon Studios, the award-winning creators of Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, comes No Rest for the Wicked, a unique, visceral Action RPG set in a hand-crafted world with Souls-like combat. Featuring co-op for up to four players.

Why similar: Cinematic 30.5%, Open World 23.9%, Stylized 18.8%, Exploration 16.6%, Atmospheric 10.2%

Explore the corners of a surrealistic post-human world to give life on Earth a second chance in this touching story about sacrifice and hope.

Why similar: Exploration 26.3%, Adventure 23.5%, Third Person 19.1%, Atmospheric 15.4%, Female Protagonist 11.1%

Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.

Why similar: Difficult 42%, Female Protagonist 16.6%, Indie 9.7%, Story Rich 9.3%, Atmospheric 7.4%

Surf across magnificent waves of sand and glistening waters on an epic quest to restore a lost ocean. From the visionary artist behind ABZÛ, The Pathless, and Journey, Sword of the Sea is an atmospheric surfing adventure with fast movement inspired by classic skateboarding and snowboarding games.

Why similar: Stylized 19.6%, Cinematic 17.2%, Exploration 15.1%, Atmospheric 12.7%, Action-Adventure 10%

Welcome to Mt. Holly, where every dawn unveils a new mystery. Navigate through shifting corridors and ever-changing chambers in this genre-defying strategy puzzle adventure. But will your unpredictable path lead you to the rumored Room 46?

Why similar: Exploration 26.5%, Stylized 15.8%, Story Rich 14.1%, Atmospheric 13.8%, Adventure 8.9%

Take on the role of a private investigator in this immersive detective simulator. Solve murders and other crimes in a procedurally generated and persistent city where every NPC lives and breathes their own independent lives. Find the killer quickly… or they will kill again!

Why similar: Open World 49%, Atmospheric 17.3%, Adventure 14.1%, Indie 10.9%, Singleplayer 8.7%

Easy Delivery Co. is a relaxing driving game with strange secrets. Chill out, make deliveries and get to know the mysterious residents of this scenic mountain town, all while earning well below minimum wage.

Why similar: Open World 26.7%, Exploration 18%, Physics 18%, Atmospheric 12.1%, Story Rich 10.9%

The ground-breaking action-adventure from nDreams Elevation – the VR immersion expert’s pioneering new studio.

Why similar: Parkour 35.3%, Action-Adventure 25.2%, Female Protagonist 17.2%, Adventure 16.2%, Singleplayer 6%

Join Roll the Valkyrie as she subverts fate in a retro indie platformer taking after PSX classics. Climb, dash, jump, and glide your way up a falling sky island, to stop it from destroying the world below.

Why similar: Parkour 26.1%, Exploration 10.8%, Stylized 10.6%, Female Protagonist 9.6%, Open World 9.6%

The creators of Little Nightmares™ I & II have returned to take you on a darker, more terrifying journey than ever before. In this horror adventure game, a brother & sister go through hell to rescue their missing friends and escape the island that they used to call home.

Why similar: Cinematic 29.8%, Third Person 18.4%, Atmospheric 17.7%, Exploration 11%, Stylized 10.9%