Donkey Kong Bananza: Skill Tree Guide
Written by Andrew Hammel | Donkey Kong Bananza
There are 21 total skills in Donkey Kong Bananza split into two categories: Regular and Ancient Bananza. You unlock all skills by spending points earned from collecting Banandium Gems.
For every 5 gems found, you gain 1 skill point. Most skills can be upgraded multiple times, and some drastically improve DK’s movement, survivability, or terrain-breaking power.
How to Earn Skill Points
Search each sublayer carefully to collect Banandium Gems. Look for hidden paths, breakable blocks, or puzzle areas. Every 5 gems give you 1 point. Gems are tracked in your menu and visible once you activate enough sonar range upgrades.
Regular Skills
| Skill | Effect | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Juice | Increases juice can capacity to 2, 3, 4, 5 | 3, 4, 5, 5 |
| Bananergy | Bananza lasts 30%, 70%, 100%, 130% longer | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Better Collecting | Hand slap pickup radius +50%, +80%, +100% | 1, 2, 3 |
| Better Sonar | Sonar detection range +60%, +120%, +160% | 2, 3, 4 |
| Better Turf Surfing | Chunks wear down slower while surfing | 3 |
| Charge Slap | Hold R to charge a terrain-clearing hand slap | 2 |
| Drumbeat | Reduces L+R hold time to activate Bananza | 1, 2, 3 |
| Health | Max hearts increase from 4 up to 10 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5 |
| Jump Shot | Jump while carrying chunk, press A again to throw it and double jump | 1 |
| Melon Juice | Increases melon juice cap to 2, 3, 4, 5 | 2, 3, 3, 4 |
| Punch Power | Breaks through stronger terrain (2–5 stars) faster | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Spin Jump | Rotate stick + press A for a spinning jump attack | 2 |
| Surf Surf | Skim water while chunk surfing | 4 |
Ancient Bananza Skills
| Skill | Bananza Form | Effect | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Flutter | Ostrich | Fly faster and farther while fluttering | 2 |
| Brake Blast | Zebra | Shockwave triggers when braking hard | 1, 3 |
| Charge Dash | Zebra | Hold ZL to dash farther | 1, 3 |
| Charge Punch | Kong | Boosts charge punch impact radius | 1, 3 |
| Egg Bomb | Ostrich | Drop bomb below in midair, carry 1–3 eggs | 1, 2, 4 |
| Fast Charge | Kong | Reduces hold time to charge punch | 1, 2, 3 |
| Glide | Ostrich | Hold ZL to glide through air after flutter | 1, 3 |
| Golden Punch | Kong | Fully charged punch turns terrain into gold | 5 |
| Kong Armor | Kong | Prevents flinching while charging punch | 3 |
| Spin Shot | Zebra | Rotate stick + press ZR to throw chunk that breaks terrain | 3 |
| Spin Slam | Zebra | Hold chunk, rotate stick + Y to spin attack | 2 |
Final Blurb
The skill system in Donkey Kong Bananza adds depth to exploration, combat, and movement. Prioritize utility upgrades like Better Collecting and Punch Power early to reach more hidden areas and earn Banandium faster.
Bananza-specific skills become crucial later in the game, especially during complex terrain and boss stages. Unlocking everything takes time, but it’s worth it for full mobility and post-game completion.
FAQ
How do you unlock skills in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Collect 5 Banandium Gems to earn 1 skill point, then spend points in the skill tree.
What are the best early-game skills?
Health, Punch Power, and Better Collecting give the best early returns.
Can you reset or respec skills?
No respec option exists as of now, so choose carefully.
Do Ancient Bananza skills work outside their form?
No, these skills only activate while transformed into their specific Bananza.
How many total skills are there in Donkey Kong Bananza?
There are 13 regular skills and 11 Ancient Bananza skills as of the current update.
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