PS5 and PC 2026 GOTY Contender Reveals Surprise Free DLC, That Was Quick

Cairn, already chosen by many PS5 and PC gamers as a GOTY contender for 2026, has revealed a surprise free DLC.

Cairn has become a favourite amongst those who have played it, with many calling it one of the best games of the year so far.

With a Metacritic score of 85 and 500,000 copies sold in three months, it’s safe to say the game has been a resounding success, which has led The Game Bakers to reveal some free DLC coming later this year.

The first DLC for the game, titled On the Trail: Deep Water, brings “new climbing spots, fresh problems, but doesn’t change what made Cairn so special.”

It essentially sounds like it’s going to be more of the same kind of climbing gameplay, but with new mountains, routes, and challenges.

Namely, it introduces a new gameplay mechanic called water soloing. In real life, it’s a form of free solo climbing where a fall should result in the climber landing safely in deep water below the route.

In Cairn, this will mean you can now climb over water without facing any consequences should you fall.

The Game Bakers

Three New Levels Added In Cairn's First Free DLC

There are three new climbing spots revealed to be added with the DLC: two cliffs called Haken and Ruka, as well as a larger climbing gym called Lamu.

Meanwhile, Cairn’s often-teased Free Roam mode will also be added to the game with this update, which essentially cuts out the story mode content in favour of just allowing you to climb from start-to-finish without any interruption.

Free Roam mode supports all of the new locations added with the DLC, as well as Kami from the base game. You can also play as either Aava or Marco in this mode, giving you a bit more choice over your gameplay.

The Game Bakers has also teased more DLC releases beyond this, writing: “On the Trail is a series of free DLCs bringing you new climbing spots and challenges. Find your route freely, solve fresh climbing problems and explore new iconic locations as you follow the trail of a legendary climber.”

Cairn was one of the first games we reviewed in 2026, where I said “its entire presentation is simply gorgeous,” and called it “one of my favourite games of all time.”

Cairn – On The Trail: Deep Water doesn’t have a release date yet, but will be out sometime in the summer.

Read Next: Ranking the 13 Best PC Games Of All Time