Donkey Kong Bananza Co-op & 2 Player Mode

Play with friends in local multiplayer and cooperative gameplay

Cooperative Gameplay Overview

Local Multiplayer

Donkey Kong Bananza features full local co-op support, allowing two players to experience the entire adventure together on a single Nintendo Switch console.

Full story mode co-op
Shared screen gameplay
Drop-in/drop-out support
Unique co-op mechanics

Co-op Features

  • • Team up with Donkey Kong and Pauline
  • • Special co-op moves and combos
  • • Shared health and lives system
  • • Cooperative puzzle solving
  • • Revive fallen teammates
  • • Split-screen boss battles

Character Roles in Co-op Mode

Player 1: Donkey Kong

RoleTank/Strength
HealthHigh
MobilityMedium
Special AbilityGround Pound

Co-op Role: Handles heavy lifting, breaking barriers, and protecting Pauline during combat.

Player 2: Pauline

RoleSupport/Agility
HealthMedium
MobilityHigh
Special AbilityParasol Float

Co-op Role: Provides support, reaches high areas, and uses ranged attacks to assist Donkey Kong.

Cooperative Mechanics

Team Moves

Kong Toss

Donkey Kong can throw Pauline to reach high platforms or access otherwise unreachable areas.

Parasol Lift

Pauline can use her parasol to lift Donkey Kong across gaps or to safety during dangerous situations.

Combo Attacks

Coordinated attacks between both characters deal increased damage to enemies and bosses.

Shared Systems

Shared Lives

Both players share the same life counter. When one player falls, the other can revive them within a time limit.

Health Sharing

Health items can be shared between players, and Pauline can heal Donkey Kong with her support abilities.

Progress Sync

Game progress is saved for both players, and achievements are unlocked for the entire team.

Co-op Game Modes

Story Mode Co-op

Duration20-25 hours
DifficultyBalanced for 2 players
Save ProgressShared
AchievementsTeam-based

Experience the complete Donkey Kong Bananza story with a friend. All levels, bosses, and cutscenes are designed for cooperative play.

Co-op Challenge Mode

Duration5-8 hours
DifficultyHigh
Levels20 unique challenges
RewardsExclusive costumes

Special challenges designed specifically for two players, requiring perfect coordination and teamwork to complete.

Co-op Tips and Strategies

Communication Tips

  • • Use voice chat or clear hand signals
  • • Plan your route before starting levels
  • • Call out enemy positions and hazards
  • • Coordinate special moves and combos
  • • Decide who handles which collectibles

Combat Strategies

  • • Donkey Kong tanks damage while Pauline attacks
  • • Use Kong Toss to reposition quickly
  • • Chain combo attacks for maximum damage
  • • Keep Pauline safe during boss battles
  • • Share health items strategically

Puzzle Solving

  • • Pauline can reach switches Donkey Kong can't
  • • Use weight-based puzzles to your advantage
  • • Coordinate timing for synchronized actions
  • • Donkey Kong can break barriers Pauline can't
  • • Work together to find hidden areas

Survival Tips

  • • Stay close together in dangerous areas
  • • Don't split up unless necessary
  • • Keep track of each other's health
  • • Use revive mechanics efficiently
  • • Plan escape routes for difficult sections

Technical Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Controllers2 Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers
DisplaySingle screen (shared)
Performance60 FPS (Switch 2) / 30 FPS (Switch 1)
Storage18.5 GB (same as single player)

Setup Instructions

Start the game in single player mode
Press + on the second controller
Select character (Donkey Kong or Pauline)
Begin cooperative gameplay

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