What to know
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Cairn launched on January 29, 2026 for PC via Steam and PlayStation 5.
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As of now, there is no official Game Pass announcement for Cairn.
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Without an Xbox platform announcement, a day-one Xbox Game Pass drop is unlikely.
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A later Game Pass arrival is possible in general, but you should treat it as speculation until Microsoft or The Game Bakers confirms it.
Cairn has generated a lot of interest thanks to its hands-on climbing and survival focus, so it is natural to wonder if it will show up in Game Pass. The key is separating what is confirmed from what fans assume based on showcase branding and general Game Pass patterns.
| Topic | Current status |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 29, 2026 |
| Confirmed platforms at launch | PS5, PC via Steam |
| Confirmed Xbox release | Not announced publicly |
| Confirmed Xbox Game Pass release | Not announced publicly |
| Developer | The Game Bakers |
| Price at launch | $29.99 USD for PS5 and PC (without discounts) |
Why people expect Game Pass
You may have seen Cairn associated with the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted branding that includes powered by Xbox Game Pass, but that sponsorship does not automatically mean every game shown is coming to the service. If a title is headed to Game Pass, Microsoft or the publisher typically makes that explicit, and that explicit confirmation is not present for Cairn at this time.
What would need to happen before a Game Pass drop makes sense
For Cairn to arrive on Xbox Game Pass for console, you would first need an announced Xbox Series X|S version, since the confirmed launch platforms are PS5 and PC. For PC Game Pass, you would still need a clear PC Game Pass confirmation, and at the moment the public Game Pass library pages do not list Cairn as a Game Pass title.
How to track a Game Pass confirmation
Here’s how you can check for official confirmation quickly:
Step 1
Check the official Xbox Game Pass game library and search for Cairn, because confirmed titles are reflected there when announced.
Step 2
Look for wording that explicitly says available on Game Pass or coming to Game Pass in official announcements around the game, since partner showcases alone are not a guarantee.
Step 3
If you care specifically about Xbox console access, watch for an Xbox platform announcement, because PS5 and Steam being confirmed does not imply an Xbox build exists for launch.
If you are waiting to play Cairn through Xbox Game Pass, the most accurate stance today is to assume it is not coming to Game Pass unless an official announcement says so. The confirmed release plan is PS5 and PC first, so you should plan around that until Xbox or The Game Bakers states otherwise.
