Cairn Extra Grip Guide
Extra Grip in Cairn comes from using chalk, and it lets Aava hold onto surfaces that would normally fail. Extra Grip is limited, only applies to hands, and must be managed carefully so you do not waste it or accidentally drop yourself when transitioning onto a ledge.
This guide explains exactly how Extra Grip works, how to make more chalk, and how to safely release your grip once you reach solid ground.
What Extra Grip Does In Cairn
Extra Grip increases the number of difficult hand placements Aava can make before slipping.
When chalk is active, you will see an Extra Grip value on screen. Each hand placement consumes 1 charge. Foot placements do not use Extra Grip at all, which makes careful foot positioning very important.
Extra Grip allows Aava to hold flat or shallow rock faces that would normally reject a grip. There is no timer, so unused Extra Grip stays active until all charges are spent.
How To Activate Chalk During A Climb
Chalk can be applied at almost any time, even while climbing.
Hold right on the D Pad to apply chalk. Aava will rub her hands and Extra Grip activates instantly.
Chalk should be saved for sections with poor handholds. Using it on easy routes is a fast way to run out when you actually need it.
How To Make More Chalk With The Climbot
Chalk is created by composting items using the Climbot.
Aava must be on the ground or hanging from a piton to access the backpack. You cannot manage items while actively climbing.
Open the backpack by holding down on the D Pad
Select an item and compost it using the interact button
The Climbot starts a timer in the backpack menu
Once finished, collect chalk from the Climbot
You must have an empty slot in your chalk bag
Adding more items shortens the timer but does not create extra chalk. Time passes while resting, waiting, or sleeping at bivouacs.
Best Items To Compost For Chalk
Some items are better to compost than others.
Plastic wrappers from eaten food
Waste items like tin cans
Low value plants or mushrooms if needed
Plastic waste is ideal since it has no other purpose and keeps the mountain clean. Using valuable food or tools for chalk is usually a bad trade.
How To Release Your Grip Safely On A Ledge
Releasing your grip is one of the most common causes of accidental falls.
To let go, you must hold the release button, not tap it. On controller, this is Circle. On mouse and keyboard, it is right click.
Holding the button makes Aava disengage her hands. Depending on spacing, she may step down or hop backward slightly. This behavior can feel inconsistent, so caution matters.
On small ledges, manually placing both feet firmly before releasing your hands is often safer. A little shuffle is better than an unexpected leap into the void.
Common Mistakes With Extra Grip And Dismounting
Many players lose Extra Grip or fall due to simple errors.
Using chalk too early wastes charges that are needed later. Releasing grip without holding the button long enough causes awkward movement. Trusting automatic dismounts on tiny ledges can end runs very quickly.
Slow, deliberate movements save resources and lives.
Final Blurb
Extra Grip is one of Cairn’s most powerful tools, but only when used with intent. Chalk helps you survive brutal climbs, and knowing how to let go safely keeps that progress from ending in a fall. Manage your charges, compost smart items, and treat every ledge like it wants you dead, because sometimes it does.
FAQ
How long does Extra Grip last
Extra Grip has no time limit and only ends when all charges are used.
Do foot placements use Extra Grip
No, only hand placements consume Extra Grip.
Can you apply chalk while climbing
Yes, chalk can be applied mid climb.
Why does Aava sometimes jump when releasing grip
The game decides the dismount based on spacing, and small ledges can trigger a hop instead of a step.
What is the safest way to dismount onto a small ledge
Plant both feet manually first, then hold the release button to disengage your hands.
