Part 4

Learn how to perform all special moves with Donkey and Diddy Kong, master Rambi's abilities, and understand the function of every pickup and important item in Donkey Kong Country Returns.

This section covers the various control schemes and item pickups available in Donkey Kong Country Returns. It details special moves for Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong when playing solo or in multiplayer, as well as controls for Rambi, Barrel Cannons, Mine Carts, and Rocket Barrels.

Controls:

Team Up:

Press Z or B (hold up, then press 1) to have Diddy Kong team up with Donkey Kong.

Revive (Multiplayer only):

If defeated, press A (1) to drop a DK barrel. Your partner must touch it to free you. Shake the controller to move the barrel.

Diddy Kong Jetpack:

Hold A (2) in midair to cover small gaps. This lasts a short while.

Peanut Popguns (Multiplayer only):

Shake player 2's controller continuously to make Diddy shoot peanuts. Can be done while teamed up or separated.

Team Roll:

While teamed up, shake player 1's controller continuously to roll.

Separate (Multiplayer only):

Player 2 can press Z or B (hold down, then press 1) to get off Donkey Kong's back.

Mount Rambi:

Jump on top of Rambi.

Dismount Rambi:

Press Z or B (hold down, then press 1).

Rambi Move:

Walk, run, and jump normally. Rambi is invulnerable except to bottomless pits and fire.

Rambi Charge:

Hold left or right while continuously shaking the controller for a quick charge.

Rambi Ground-pound:

Shake the controller while not moving left or right.

Barrel Cannon Fire:

Press A (2) to fire in the direction the barrel is pointing.

Rocket Barrel Blast Off:

Repeatedly tap A (2).

Rocket Barrel Ascend/Descend:

Hold A (2) to ascend, let go to drop. Use control stick to move left/right when moving upward.

Items:

• Banana: Collect 100 for an extra life.
• Banana Bunch: Worth 5 bananas.
• Giant Banana Bunch: Worth 20 bananas.
• Life Balloon: Grants an extra life. Also awarded for bouncing off 8+ enemies consecutively.
• Banana Coin: Currency used at Cranky's shop. Awarded for bouncing off 3-7 enemies consecutively.
• Heart: Restores one heart.
• Puzzle Piece: Collect all in a stage to unlock artwork or music. Must finish the stage for credit.
• KONG Letter: Collect all four (K, O, N, G) in order to earn a star medal upon stage completion. Re-collectible if missed.
• Orb: Found at the end of secret stages. All eight are needed to unlock the Golden Temple.

Purchasable Items:

• Life Balloon: Buy individually (3 coins) or in bulk (7 for 7 coins, 15 for 7 coins).
• Squawks: Costs 15 banana coins per stage. Squawks alerts you to nearby puzzle pieces.
• Heart Boost: Costs 10 banana coins per stage. Increases max hearts to three for the stage.
• Banana Juice: Costs 10 banana coins per stage. Grants temporary invincibility with ten extra hearts, making the character golden. Does not protect against instant-defeat hazards.