Info about Cairn - On the Trail: Deep Water:

Official game description:
On the Trail is a series of free DLCs for the award winning survival climbing game Cairn. Set out on the ascent of a lifetime with pro-climber Aava: climb anywhere, plan your route carefully, and manage your resources to survive the unforgiving ascent of Mount Kami.
On the Trail brings climbers new climbing locations and challenges. Find your route freely in the new spots, solve fresh climbing problems and explore iconic places as you follow the trail of a legendary climber.
On the Trail: Deep Water, the first of the series, brings you 3 new climbing spots, and introduces water soloing: you can now climb over water, without the consequences when falling!
Features:
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*   3 new climbing spots: the cliffs of Haken and Ruka for the thrill of climbing freely in overhang above water! And the Lamu climbing gym with new problems to solve.
*   Climb as Aava or Marco, including on Kami with the free roam mode. Experience how their climbing techniques and styles differ!
*   Follow the trail of a legendary climber and discover the lost history and secrets of the new locations.

Release date: Oct 29, 2026

Categories: Climbing Mechanics, Survival, Resource Management, Exploration, Single-player Story, Free Solo Climbing, Challenging Routes

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 5; verdict: Fair - No Predatory Monetization; summary: The reviews focus on a free DLC update and its length/value, with several players appreciating the free content and expressing willingness to pay for future substantial expansions. No review provides evidence of microtransactions, real-money gacha, loot boxes, currency obfuscation, pay-to-win mechanics, or a cash shop. The monetization model discussed is limited to free DLC and hypothetical paid DLC, which is not predatory under the audit criteria.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 3.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 3.0h
  - Reasoning: The DLC completion reports cluster around 3 hours: one player beat it in 3 hours with extra climbing, another cleared all three maps in about 3 hours, and a completionist got all achievements in 3 hours. I therefore set gameCompletion to 3.0 hours as the central reported value. The reviews do not provide a separate story-only completion time, so storyCompletion is null. No concrete typical session length is stated, so sessionLength is null. Medal hunting and all-achievement completion are reported at under or around 3 hours, supporting an endgame value of 3.0 hours.
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes:
  - Scenic Outdoor Climbing Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing beautiful outdoor scenery and a rock-climbing fantasy.
    - Playstyle: Plays on high or ultra settings, explores the scenery, and tolerates mechanically frustrating sections.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Challenge-Driven Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Overcoming difficult challenges and completing all achievements.
    - Playstyle: Grinds time trials and regular challenges to reach full completion.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Story-Seeking Chill Player (buy)
    - Motivation: Finding an emotional story and a relaxing short play session.
    - Playstyle: Plays for narrative and mood, comparing new content with the base game's emotional highs.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Base-Game Loyalist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Getting more content that preserves the base game's style and design.
    - Playstyle: Expects DLC to mirror the base game's mechanics and structure rather than experiment.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- DLC harder than base game (weight 0.63): The new climbs are frequently described as more challenging and technical than the base game. Many consider this difficulty increase appropriate and rewarding for a DLC.
- Base game highly acclaimed (weight 0.56): Many reviewers consider the base game a masterpiece with ideal mechanics, story, and atmosphere. It is frequently called one of their favorite games and praised for its unique climbing experience.
- Free DLC praised as generous (weight 0.55): Reviewers repeatedly highlight that the DLC is free and surprisingly extensive. There is strong appreciation for the developers releasing such content at no cost, and it positively shapes their view of the game and studio.
- Challenging routes and secrets (weight 0.46): The DLC adds many challenging routes, secrets, and achievements that extend playtime. Players enjoy the optional challenges and the sense of accomplishment from completing them.
- Marco is a great addition (weight 0.45): Playing as Marco is widely enjoyed for offering a different climbing style and fresh perspective. His unique stats and weaknesses add variety and are seen as a strong highlight of the DLC.
- New areas are fun and beautiful (weight 0.38): The three new maps are praised for being enjoyable, visually stunning, and well-designed. Reviewers appreciate the variety and the beautiful scenery they add to the game.
- Additional content is worthwhile (weight 0.37): The DLC is seen as a valuable addition that complements the base game. It offers more of the same high-quality experience that fans love.
- New character and story content (weight 0.37): The addition of Marco and the expanded story, including Otto's prequel narrative, are well-received. The lore and character development add depth and are seen as meaningful enhancements.
- Climbing mechanics are excellent (weight 0.35): The climbing system is described as methodical, rewarding, and one-of-a-kind. Reviewers love how it feels like real bouldering and appreciate the depth of route-finding and challenge.
- Stunning visuals and atmosphere (weight 0.33): Reviewers consistently praise the beautiful environments, sound design, and immersive atmosphere. The game's world is described as dream-like and visually spectacular.
- Free-roam and gym additions (weight 0.27): The new free-roam mode and bouldering gym are appreciated as welcome additions. They offer replayability and a place to practice without starting a new save.
- Story is engaging and coherent (weight 0.26): The narrative, though minimal, is effective in motivating players and fits well with the base game. The story elements, including multiple endings, are touching and well-integrated.
- Difficulty balance is appropriate (weight 0.26): The base game's difficulty curve is praised as well-balanced and progressive. The DLC's increased challenge is seen as suitable for experienced players, with options like herbal tea for easier play.
- Positive developer support (weight 0.24): Reviewers express trust and appreciation for the developers, citing free content and community respect. This goodwill enhances the overall reception.
- Resource management is satisfying (weight 0.19): The inventory, health, and food management systems are considered immersive and well-implemented. Gathering resources and managing supplies at camp adds to the overall experience.
- Replay value is high (weight 0.19): The game offers significant replayability with multiple routes and challenges. Players enjoy puzzling out every possible path and revisiting areas.
- Gameplay is calming and methodical (weight 0.18): Many find the gameplay meditative and relaxing, with a focus on careful movement. The methodical pace is a key part of the game's appeal.
- Patch improves climbing feel (weight 0.11): A recent patch addressed issues like limb twisting and surface holding, improving the climbing experience. Reviewers note these fixes positively.
- Technical performance is solid (weight 0.1): The game runs without major bugs or crashes, and features like automatic limb selection work well. This contributes to a smooth experience.

Common complaints:
- Climbing mechanics feel worse (weight 0.79): Climbing is significantly more frustrating due to poor grab detection, unreliable ledges, and awkward limb placement. Players report frequent slips, failed grabs, and inconsistent friction, making even easy sections feel unfair.
- New stamina system widely disliked (weight 0.75): The new stamina/fatigue mechanic is heavily criticized as annoying, broken, and overly punishing. It drains quickly, forces full restarts, and feels like a speedrun mode that detracts from the core climbing experience.
- DLC buggy and unpolished (weight 0.66): Numerous clusters report pervasive bugs, glitches, and a rushed feel throughout the DLC. Issues include camera bugs, clipping, crashes, and save corruption, making the experience feel unfinished.
- DLC lacks content and story (weight 0.61): The DLC is criticized for being short, lacking new story elements, and feeling like filler. It offers little exploration, no new mountain, and ends on an unsatisfying tease for another DLC.
- Limb placement system broken (weight 0.51): Automatic limb placement frequently fails, with Ava choosing wrong limbs and getting stuck. Limbs twist unnaturally, clip through walls, and often miss holds, leading to preventable falls and frustration.
- Difficulty is frustrating and unbalanced (weight 0.49): The DLC is often described as overly hard and frustrating, with steep difficulty spikes and poorly designed routes. Players feel forced to use buffs or assist mode to progress, and the challenge often feels unfair.
- Challenge mode over story (weight 0.46): Many feel the DLC behaves more like a challenge mode than a proper story expansion. It emphasizes timed trials and difficult routes over the exploration and survival that made the base game compelling.
- Physics and collision problems (weight 0.42): Physics bugs are rampant, causing characters to fall through textures, get stuck in walls, or float in the air. Rope physics and collision detection frequently malfunction, breaking immersion.
- Bugs and softlocks hinder progression (weight 0.41): Players encounter bugs that cause softlocks, such as getting stuck behind walls, requiring a full restart. These issues are game-breaking and severely impact enjoyment.
- Survival mechanics removed or simplified (weight 0.4): The DLC strips away key survival elements like hunger, thirst, cooking, and inventory management, replacing them with a single energy bar. This removes depth and alienates fans of the original gameplay loop.
- Ava's AI is inadequate (weight 0.34): Ava often makes poor decisions, getting stuck and failing to place limbs correctly. She feels useless in many situations, especially on easier sections where she should perform well.
- DLC feels rushed and unpolished (weight 0.33): Multiple clusters indicate the DLC shows signs of a rushed release, with many small bugs and unrefined mechanics. The overall experience is less polished and less emotional than the base game.
- Map and level design flaws (weight 0.28): Maps suffer from clipping issues, confusing routes, and a lack of clear grab points. The smaller size and poor design make exploration and climbing less enjoyable.
- Environments feel sparse and artificial (weight 0.26): The new locations are perceived as empty, small, and lacking detail, making exploration boring. Frequent rain and storms obscure views, and the world feels like a rock in emptiness rather than a cohesive environment.
- Gym and tutorial poorly designed (weight 0.24): The climbing gym is excessively hard and confusing, with unclear holds and tight time limits. The tutorial map feels difficult due to a lack of adaptation and poor guidance.
- Repetitive and tedious gameplay (weight 0.24): The DLC often requires repetitive runs and grinding, which can be tiresome. Resource management and buff consumption add tedium rather than enjoyment.
- Character behavior and fatigue (weight 0.22): The character gets tired quickly, falls for no clear reason, and exhibits annoying behaviors like constant vocalizations. Energy drains even in good positions, adding to the frustration.
- Controller and input issues (weight 0.18): Controller players face additional challenges, such as slow limb adjustment and inadequate time limits for timed challenges. Vibration and audio bugs further hinder the experience on controllers.
- Progression and achievement bugs (weight 0.18): Achievements and progress tracking are unreliable, with routes sometimes not registering as complete. Save corruption and softlocks also impede progression.
- Religious elements deemed unnecessary (weight 0.04): One reviewer felt the inclusion of religious idols was unnecessary and could have been omitted, though this appears to be a minor point.

Gameplay feedback:
- Stamina system divides players (weight 0.48): Multiple clusters describe a stamina or energy bar that depletes during climbs and forces restarts. Some view it as a meaningful resource, while others note it limits attempts and adds fatigue.
- DLC adds new maps and areas (weight 0.32): The DLC includes multiple new maps and three distinct areas, with different areas separated across DLCs. The first map is noted as very hard, and later maps contain secrets and challenges.
- Marco joins as playable climber (weight 0.27): The DLC introduces Marco as a playable character with a unique climbing style and origin story content. His inclusion is highlighted in both paid and free DLC.
- New climbing routes and gym (weight 0.19): The DLC expands climbing content with an overhang climb, speed climb, new climbing gym, and additional routes. These additions provide fresh challenges for experienced players.
- DLC offers harder challenge mode (weight 0.19): The DLC is significantly harder than the base game, playing like a challenge mode. It focuses on small maps with challenging routes.
- DLC includes achievements and timed trials (weight 0.18): The DLC adds achievements, including a timed achievement, and repeatable climbing areas. A high-difficulty climbing mode is also available.
- New character and location in DLC (weight 0.16): The DLC introduces a new playable character and a new location, expanding the roster and environments. The free Deep Water DLC also adds a character.
- Route climbing with pitons and medals (weight 0.16): The game involves climbing routes on a map, using pitons and earning medals. Routes provide structured climbing objectives.
- Bouldering gym level included (weight 0.15): A dedicated bouldering gym map features tricky gym-style routes. This offers a distinct climbing experience within the DLC.
- Climbing gameplay causes falls (weight 0.15): Misplacing footing can lead to a fall, emphasizing precision in the climbing mechanics. The core gameplay revolves around climbing challenges.
- Ava is a playable character (weight 0.15): Ava appears as a playable character in the DLC, featuring in an adventure storyline. Multiple playable characters are available including Ava.
- Timed challenges test speed (weight 0.15): The game includes timed challenges that require quick climbing. These time-limited trials add replayability and pressure.
- Base game encourages exploration (weight 0.1): Players can explore hidden places and different areas on the map. Exploration is a key part of the base game experience.
- Survival and cooking mechanics present (weight 0.1): The base game features survival mechanics, cooking recipes, and inventory management. Gathering and cooking activities supplement the climbing.
- Limb placement has reliability issues (weight 0.1): Limb placement and ledge mechanics are core to climbing but sometimes suffer from reliability problems. This can affect gameplay precision.
- Automatic limb placement system (weight 0.1): An automatic limb placement or selection system assists climbing. This mechanic simplifies positioning on holds.

Performance notes:
- Stage three loading error (weight 0.07): A player reports that the third stage cannot be loaded due to an error, blocking progress. This is a single report but describes a specific technical failure.

Recommendations:
- DLC praised as excellent (weight 0.29): Multiple reviewers describe the DLC as excellent and amazing content, and recommend it despite some flaws. It is broadly viewed as a strong addition worth playing.
- Negative despite free DLC (weight 0.2): Some reviewers still do not recommend the DLC even though it is free, with one saying they would have refunded it if it cost money. Another gives a thumbs down until hotfixes arrive.
- Base game should come first (weight 0.19): Reviewers advise new players to start with the base game before touching the DLC. The content is aimed at those who already played the base game and want a fresh challenge.
- Recommended because it is free (weight 0.16): Several reviewers recommend the DLC largely because it costs nothing, stating free DLC is always recommended. This praise is conditional on the zero price rather than the content itself.
- Not worth buying (weight 0.15): Some feedback says the DLC is not worth buying and the update is not recommended. These reviewers see little value in the content, particularly as a paid product.
- Short and buggy routes (weight 0.15): One reviewer recommends the DLC only if you really want new routes, warning that they are very short and buggy. Gameplay issues reduce the value of the added content.
- Suited to themed enthusiasts (weight 0.15): Reviewers say the DLC appeals to players who love the base game, climbing, the outdoors, or similar themes. It rewards those who enjoy challenging routes and the rhythm of topping difficult walls.
- Avoid repetitive grind (weight 0.1): The DLC is positioned as a way to continue the challenge without doing repetitive runs. Skipping it risks players becoming bored or disgusted with the game.
- Requires mechanics mastery (weight 0.06): The DLC assumes mastery of game mechanics, and players returning after a break may need to relearn the basics. Skill with the core systems is important to get value from it.
- Deluxe upgrade pack purchase (weight 0.06): One piece of feedback mentions buying the Deluxe upgrade pack. It indicates interest in the paid upgrade option as a purchase consideration.

Other player notes:
- DLC is very short (weight 0.41): Reviewers consistently note that the DLC is short, lasting about 1.5 to 5 hours depending on playstyle. Some mention completion rates and extra climbing extend playtime.
- Future DLC teased (weight 0.37): The DLC includes hints and easter eggs pointing to a next DLC, and the ending continues into a second DLC. More content is announced and planned for the future.
- Willing to pay for DLC (weight 0.27): Several reviewers state they would have gladly paid for the DLC, and some wish the developers had made a paid DLC with more content. One notes they likely wouldn't have purchased it if paid.
- Developer and release info (weight 0.18): The DLC is made by The Game Bakers. Its release was delayed several times, and an August content drop was cancelled for this DLC release.
- Pricing and value comparisons (weight 0.18): Reviewers compare the free DLC to other games that charge high prices for a single skin or each additional route. The DLC is sold at a reasonable price, and a Deluxe upgrade pack is sold separately.
- DLC compared to base game (weight 0.15): Reviewers contrast the DLC with the base game, noting it feels more like bouldering and is shorter. One reviewer rates the base game 10/10 and the DLC 6/10.
- Desire for more DLC (weight 0.15): Reviewers express a desire for more DLC, paid or free, ideally of the scale of Mount Kami. Some want DLC similar to the base game or specific characters to appear.
- Performance and technical (weight 0.13): The game runs on ultra or high settings. A small patch was released the next day, and the reviewer plays on Steam Deck.
- Prequel story details (weight 0.1): The DLC is a prequel story depicting Arva and Marko training for Mount Kami. The publisher suggests playing the main story and reaching the summit first.
- Target audience and gameplay (weight 0.1): The DLC seems aimed at the speedrunning and pure climbing community. It is considered the only climbing video game available.
- Completion and playstyle (weight 0.09): One reviewer did not complete all areas to 100 percent. Another did extra climbing beyond the main content.
- No balance issues (weight 0.05): The base game had no significant balance issues according to one reviewer.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.32): Players are frustrated by broken limb matching, an overly harsh stamina system, and frequent bugs like clipping and wall-stuck issues in the DLC. The timed competition mode and achievements with short time limits conflict with the deliberate climbing design, causing repeated restarts and unplayable conditions.
- Disappointment (weight 0.22): The DLC feels rushed, unpolished, and far less enjoyable than the base game, lacking a new mountain and the survival mechanics that made the original great. Players waited months only to find a short, broken experience that degrades the overall game.
- Gratitude (weight 0.13): Players appreciate that the developers released the Deep Water DLC for free, showing respect and love for the community. The generous free content and additional updates are seen as a positive gesture.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players find the new stamina bar balanced and the DLC delivers challenging routes, beautiful scenery, and meaningful story integration. The free content meets or exceeds expectations, offering fun and rewarding gameplay.
- Annoyance (weight 0.08): The new energy mechanic is seen as unnecessary and obstructive, causing full restarts and forcing players to grind before climbing. Constant controller vibration, looping sounds, and character vocalizations add to the irritation.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Players value the free DLC that adds story, new climbing styles, and the ability to play as Marco. The base game's meditative quality and improved overhang mechanics are also praised.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players enjoy exploring challenging new areas, replayable route puzzles, and Marco's distinct playstyle. The spectacular gameplay, new sceneries, and fun achievements deepen the experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): The base game's challenge, story, and visuals are admired, along with the beautiful look of the new maps. The free DLC is surprisingly extensive and crafted with love.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Players are eager for more DLC content and appreciate the free update adding new climbing challenges. The beautiful visuals and new locations, along with Marco's playstyle, fuel their excitement.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): The DLC reminds players of their first time playing Cairn and they look forward to future content. Free challenging routes and hints at a second DLC keep them engaged.
- Surprise (weight 0.04): Players are pleasantly surprised that the DLC is free when they expected to pay for it. The unexpected free release is a recurring positive shock.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Bugs with grabs, stamina, and rope attachments cause severe frustration, including spending over an hour on a racing leaderboard and save corruption. These issues make the game feel broken and unfair.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the characters and the methodical bouldering-like gameplay, and they appreciate more content for a favorite game.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Returning to the game of the year with perfect gameplay and level design brings joy, and the free DLC adds to the happiness.
- Dislike (weight 0.02): The enemy system replacing survival mechanics and the new energy mechanism are disliked, along with the first map being bad and unfun.
- Longing (weight 0.02): Players long for the character Laka to appear and wish for another large adventure rather than small maps.
- Rage (weight 0.01): The gym time trial required for a 100% achievement rate induces rage due to its unreasonable difficulty.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): New climbs are confusing with no visible holds and inconsistent friction, making routes unclear and frustrating.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): The replacement of hunger and thirst with a new resource bar and similar item effects is dissatisfying to players who preferred the original survival mechanics.
- Humility (weight 0.01): The DLC is much harder than the base game, making players feel humble as they waste chalk slapping the wall and struggle with challenging routes.}