Cairn Review: Optimizing Performance on Steam Deck
Cairn, developed by The Game Bakers, offers players a thrilling experience centered around climbing the daunting mountain, Kami. The game challenges players not just with its physical demands, but also with strategic survival elements that keep them engaged throughout their journey.
Cairn: A Journey of Climbing and Self-Discovery
The narrative follows Aava, a seasoned climber determined to conquer Kami. As players ascend, they encounter diverse characters and delve into Aava’s past, exploring the psychological motivations behind her obsession with climbing. The story intricately weaves themes of challenge and personal growth, creating a compelling backdrop for the gameplay.
Game Mechanics and Survival Elements
Cairn emphasizes careful planning and resource management. Players must consider various factors that influence their climb:
- Stamina management
- Food and water supply
- Weather conditions
- Health and temperature regulation
Decisions such as whether to use pistons as safety checkpoints are critical. Players can only carry a limited supply of gear, adding an extra layer of challenge. Exploring off-path routes may yield essential resources, emphasizing the importance of scavenging.
Climbing Strategies
Strategic climbing in Cairn requires players to assess the mountain’s terrain continuously. Identifying footholds and planning moves carefully is vital to success. Rushing can lead to falls, while taking time to evaluate routes can enhance the climbing experience.
Performance on Steam Deck
Cairn is verified for the Steam Deck, but players may encounter performance issues. Frame rates can drop significantly, particularly when viewing expansive mountain vistas. Despite being set on low graphics settings, frame rates might dip below 30 FPS, causing concern for some players.
To optimize performance, players are advised to lower the resolution and enable SteamOS’ FSR upscaling. This adjustment can help maintain smoother gameplay while minimizing battery drain.
Accessibility Features
While Cairn lacks a dedicated accessibility tab, it does incorporate several assistive features:
- Fall rewinding
- Infinite gear option
- Auto-saving functionality
- Manual limb selection and highlighting
- Control remapping
These features allow a broader range of players to enjoy the climbing experience, adjusting the difficulty according to individual preferences.
Conclusion
Cairn beautifully blends strategy and survival, crafting an engaging gameplay experience. Despite some technical issues on the Steam Deck, the game remains enjoyable due to its emphasis on thoughtful climbing. The challenge of planning each movement on Kami’s slopes is rewarding, making it a title worth exploring for adventure game enthusiasts.
