2025 | The Year of Climbing Games? Big Titles About to Change the Game
Edited By
Noah Rodriguez
The landscape of gaming is shifting as climbing games are gaining momentum in 2025. Developers have stepped up after mixed reviews of Jusant in 2023, leading to an exciting array of new climbing titles making a mark this year.
What's New in Climbing Games?
Game enthusiasts are buzzing about several climbing games that are making waves this year:
Highlighted Titles
White Knuckle: A roguelike climbing game drawing inspiration from Quake and Half-Life. It’s described as frantic and silly.
PEAK: A collaborative hit from Aggro Crab and Landfall Games, notorious for its comedic co-op adventure.
Baby Steps: Currently, a demo is available, showcasing the game's unique take on Foddian gameplay. Players praise its satisfying challenge and hilarious cutscenes.
Cairn: The dark horse of the bunch, this survival climber from the creators of FURI is expected to attract more methodical players.
While Death Stranding 2 has less emphasis on climbing compared to its predecessor, it is still recognized as having influenced this year's climbing genre offerings.
Community Reactions
Comments from the gaming community highlight mixed sentiments around Jusant and excitement for upcoming titles:
"I liked Jusant, but the demo for Cairn was great! Can't wait for that!"
Some enthusiasts reflect on past climbing games, noting:
Donkey Kong as a heavily climbing-focused game.
Praise for titles like Valley Peaks and Lorn's Lure shows the rich history in climbing games that some feel has been overlooked.
Key Comments from the Forum:
"PEAK has more reviews on Steam than the others combined!"
"I found Jusant clunky, but I'm all in for Cairn!"
"Some fans argue that climbing is just a feature among many, pointing out the verticality of many platformers."
Sentiment Analysis
The comments reflect a mixture of opinions:
Strong excitement for Cairn and PEAK.
Divided views on Jusant, with some loving it and others critical.
Recognition of climbing's role in various games over the years.
Key Takeaways
🤔 2025 may truly be the year of climbing games with multiple fresh takes on the genre.
💥 Cairn is building significant buzz ahead of its full release.
📈 Community engagement suggests climbing games are gaining popularity, breaking through previous patterns in game design.
Forecasting the Climbing Craze
As the year unfolds, there's a strong chance climbing games will shape the gaming landscape significantly. Developers are likely to seize the momentum created by features in titles like Cairn and PEAK, leading to a surge in innovative gameplay styles. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that upcoming games will incorporate unique climbing mechanics, fueling player engagement. The community's enthusiasm suggests that if players feel satisfied with their experiences, climbing may become a staple rather than just a novelty in gaming, pushing developers to continually expand this genre's boundaries.
A Nod to the Past
In a way, the rise of climbing games parallels the resurgence of platformers in the early 2010s. Developers shifted their focus to providing players with vibrant worlds and dynamic movements, reminiscent of arcade classics. Just as these games invited nostalgia while innovating gameplay styles, today's climbing titles are blending old-school mechanics with modern twists, drawing both seasoned gamers and newcomers. This evolution shows how gaming can revisit and revitalize past concepts, creating something fresh while honoring its history.