Donkey Kong Bananza – How To Start DK Island and Emerald Rush DLC

Donkey Kong Bananza – How to Start DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC

Nintendo’s surprise release of Donkey Kong Bananza quickly became one of the most talked‑about games on the Switch 2. Two months after the base game launched, players were treated to its first paid expansion, DK Island + Emerald Rush, which adds a nostalgic new hub area and a roguelike‑inspired game mode. The $20 DLC has sparked both excitement and debate about value, but one thing’s clear: if you enjoyed Bananza’s destruction‑driven puzzle platforming, there’s more to dig into here. This guide explains what the DLC contains, how to unlock it and what to expect from both DK Island and the Emerald 

Rush

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What is DK Island + Emerald Rush?

The DLC is split into two parts. DK Island is a small overworld layer themed around Donkey Kong’s history – the familiar banana‑shaped mountain from Donkey Kong Country, DK’s cabin and nods to Rare and Retro Studios return. It functions as a home base rather than a full layer; there are no new Banandium gems or fossils to collect. Veteran players will spot references to past games (a Kremling galleon, mine‑cart tracks and bongo‑shaped islands), but reviewers note that the island feels more like scenery than a true level. You can trade Banandium chips with Squawks for collectible statues of characters and enemies, but the island’s main purpose is to serve as a hub for Emerald Rush.

Emerald Rush is the star of the expansion. It completely remixes Bananza’s movement and combat into a roguelike challenge. Void Kong, the villain from the main story, has started a new emerald‑ore mining operation, and Donkey Kong and Pauline become employees of Void Co. Each run lasts a series of timed rounds (up to about 90–99 seconds each) in which you must meet an ore quota by smashing objects, defeating enemies and completing mini‑jobs. As you collect fossils, you gain Perks that increase emerald yield, influence treasure chest frequency or enhance specific Bananza transformations. These perks form a build that resets when your run ends, ensuring each attempt feels different. Gamereactor’s review describes the new mode as an addictive reimagining of the game’s systems that encourages you to rethink your approach and experiment with perks and abilities.

How to unlock DK Island

To get started you must purchase the DLC from the Nintendo eShop and ensure it is installed. The method for reaching DK Island depends on how far you are in the main game. If you have beaten Bananza and watched the credits, load your save, talk to any Elder to unlock the rehearsals end‑game activity, then visit a warp gong. The eel who controls warp gongs will mention DK Island and open fast travel there; the new layer will appear at the very top of your layer list. If you haven’t beaten the game, talk to Squawks in the Racing Layer; he will let you travel to DK Island but the Emerald Rush mode remains locked until you finish the story. This design ensures new players can explore the island’s nostalgia while veterans can immediately dive into the new challenge.

First steps on DK Island

Upon arriving you’ll notice the absence of Banandium gems – DK Island is mostly a playground and museum. Use the time to appreciate the references, explore DK’s house and other familiar landmarks, and chat with Squawks to exchange Banandium chips for statues. Some secrets are tucked away on the island, such as a hidden Banandiumtone puzzle that’s one of the series’ most interesting challenges. When you’re ready, talk to Void Kong to access Emerald Rush. He will brief you on the mining operation and drop you into your first roguelike run.

Surviving Emerald Rush

Emerald Rush takes Bananza’s core mechanics – punching, rolling, jumping and wall‑climbing – and layers on roguelike progression. Each run consists of up to 10 timed rounds; within each round you must meet a quota for emerald ore. The quotas start small but ramp up quickly, demanding efficient routing and constant movement. Midway through rounds, mini‑jobs pop up asking you to defeat specific enemies, destroy a particular material or complete other tasks, offering extra ore and the chance to reset your timer.

During a run you’ll break open fossils to obtain Perks, which temporarily upgrade DK. Some perks increase emerald yield from specific actions; others spawn more treasure chests, extend your timer or boost certain transformations. Since your build resets between runs, consider your choices carefully and adapt to the perks you’re offered. Gamereactor notes that the interplay of systems keeps the gameplay engaging and makes you rethink your strategies. Even after several runs, there’s depth to mastering the timer management, choosing when to rush objectives versus smashing destructible environments and using warp cannons to jump across the map. Successful runs unlock rewards such as new outfits and the option to attempt Emerald Rush on other layers.

Tips for getting started

• Finish the main game first. While you can step onto DK Island early, Emerald Rush only unlocks after the credits roll. Completing the story also familiarizes you with each layer’s layout, which is invaluable when racing through them under a strict timer.
• Talk to the right NPCs. After installing the DLC, speak to any Elder to trigger the warp gong dialogue if you’ve finished the game. If not, speak to Squawks in the Racing Layer to explore DK Island.
• Explore DK Island for secrets. Although there are no gems, the island contains references and hidden puzzles. You can also trade Banandium chips for character statues, a fun way to display your progress.
• Plan your routes in Emerald Rush. Because each run is timed, memorizing the placement of ores, enemies and warp cannons in each layer will help you maximize your ore haul. Keep an eye out for mini‑jobs; they often provide large emerald bonuses.
• Prioritize useful perks. Some perks dramatically increase emerald yield; others spawn more chests or extend your time. Experiment with different builds to find what works for you. Remember that your build resets each run.
• Don’t neglect upgrades. As you progress through runs, you’ll unlock new outfits and perks. These persistent rewards make later runs easier and give you more options.

Is it worth it?

Opinions on the DLC’s value are mixed. Nintendo Life praised the roguelike gameplay, calling it “fast, frantic” and a perfect excuse to return to one of Nintendo’s best platformers. The site did, however, criticize the lack of collectibles and the emptiness of DK Island without Emerald Rush, noting that the package feels incomplete for its price. Gamereactor echoed this sentiment: while the new mode is well‑designed and addictive, the island environment feels like fan service without substance. If you love Bananza’s movement and want a new way to test your skills, Emerald Rush offers hours of replayability. If you were hoping for a substantial new world to explore, the bare‑bones DK Island may disappoint.

Final thoughts

DK Island + Emerald Rush is a curious expansion. Its roguelike mode remixes Bananza’s satisfying mechanics into something fresh, rewarding players who master the timer and experiment with perks. The hub island, while gorgeous and brimming with references, lacks missions or collectibles, making it feel more like a museum. Whether the DLC is worth your time depends on what you’re looking for: a high‑score chase that tests your platforming prowess, or another layered world full of secrets. For more detailed impressions and guides, check out GameSpot’s step‑by‑step instructions and Nintendo Life’s review.

External resources

For readers who want to dive deeper, the following articles provide additional context:

• GameSpot’s guide on how to access DK Island and Emerald Rush – includes step‑by‑step instructions and screenshots from the game.
• Nintendo Life’s review of DK Island + Emerald Rush – offers a detailed critique of the DLC’s strengths and weaknesses and notes the nostalgic touches on DK Island.