The DK Island + Emerald Rush add-on for Donkey Kong Bananza is a paid download that adds a new explorable DK Island hub, a time‑based Emerald Rush challenge mode, and a figurine feature powered by Banandium Chips. It was released on September 12, 2025, for $19.99 and requires the full game. You access the content from your in‑progress save file after a brief setup.

What you need before you start

Purchase and install the DLC from the official store. The product page lists the price, a 919 MB download size, and outlines how access works after clearing the main story.

  • Buy: Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush on the official store page (Nintendo Switch 2).
  • Own the base game: The full version of Donkey Kong Bananza is required to use the DLC.
  • Update the game: Make sure you’re on version 2.0.0 or later to unlock the new routing and early‑visit option (see Nintendo support for update steps).

Link: DLC details and purchase on the official store page: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/donkey-kong-bananza-dk-island-and-emerald-rush-70050000062442-switch-2/.

Link: How to update your game (Nintendo Support): https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/68614/~/how-to-update-donkey-kong-bananza.

Method 1 — Standard unlock after rolling credits

This is the intended route: finish the main storyline, then the Elder will open a fast‑travel path to DK Island. You do not need to complete optional post‑game “Encore” challenges.

Step 1: Purchase and install the DLC from the store, then update the game to version 2.0.0 or later. This ensures your save can expose the new travel option and DLC systems.

Step 2: Launch Donkey Kong Bananza and load a save that has beaten the final boss (credits rolled). DLC access flags are tied to a cleared main story.

Step 3: Speak to any Elder in a Layer you’ve completed. This conversation flags the new destination in fast travel without requiring any post‑game challenge completions.

Step 4: Go to a Warp Gong and choose the newly opened route to DK Island. The Eelevator fast‑travel will list DK Island at the top of the Layer list.

Step 5: On DK Island, talk to Squawks at the hut on the beach to unlock figurines. Statues are purchased with Banandium Chips and can be placed to decorate the island.

Step 6: Talk to Void Kong on the nearby island to unlock Emerald Rush mode. This enables timed, quota‑based runs on DK Island and, as you progress, additional Layers.

Method 2 — Early visit before credits (limited)

Version 2.0.0 also provides a way to reach DK Island if you haven’t finished the main story yet. Emerald Rush stays locked until after you beat the final boss.

Step 1: Update Donkey Kong Bananza to version 2.0.0 or later. The early‑visit option is part of this update (see Nintendo Support link above for update steps).

Step 2: From the Racing Layer, speak to Squawks to travel to DK Island. This lets you explore the hub and check out its points of interest without credits.

Step 3: Beat the final boss later to fully unlock Emerald Rush and the Elder‑to‑Warp Gong access path. After credits, revisit any Elder and then the Warp Gong to add the DK Island route to your fast travel list.

Start Emerald Rush and what to expect

Emerald Rush is a post‑game, time‑limited collection mode with sequential rounds and rising emerald quotas. Each run starts your character without previously earned skills; you rebuild by collecting converted Banandium Gems and selecting Emerald Perks between objectives. You’ll also see on‑map side missions from Void Kong that award emerald spikes and additional perks.

Step 1: Speak to Void Kong on DK Island to start a run. Choose a difficulty level to set the number of rounds and target quotas for that run.

Step 2: Open the map to plan a short route to early skill grants and reliable emerald clusters. Prioritizing mobility and survivability early helps stabilize later quotas.

Step 3: Complete Void Kong’s rotating missions during rounds when they align with your route. These jobs are an efficient way to hit quota and build perk momentum.

Step 4: Accumulate Rating Points across runs to unlock additional Layers for Emerald Rush, new outfits with mode‑useful bonuses, and extra music tracks. Previously built traversal aids in Layers carry into Emerald Rush.

Explore DK Island (what’s on the hub)

DK Island functions as a compact hub with callbacks to series landmarks and interactive features. You can take in‑game photos with Diddy, Dixie, Cranky, Rambi, and Squawks, place character statues bought with Banandium Chips, and find hidden bonus stages in mine‑cart tracks and jungle ruins. Periodic Emerald Rush events add time‑limited runs with exclusive statues as rewards.

Quick prep tips for smoother runs

  • Build traversal in Layers you know well. Ziplines, getaways, and other shortcuts make it faster to reach high‑value clusters during timed rounds.
  • Plan, then commit. Use the paused map at the start of a round to chart two to three pickups that rebuild core moves quickly.
  • Lean into a perk theme. Pick perks that stack around your chosen actions (movement, melee, or environmental destruction) to avoid diluted bonuses.
  • Over‑collect when you’re ahead. Banking surplus emeralds in early rounds gives breathing room as quotas spike later.

Troubleshooting access issues

Step 1: Can’t see DK Island in fast travel? Confirm the DLC is installed and that you’ve spoken to an Elder on a cleared save. The Elder conversation flags the Warp Gong destination.

Step 2: Still missing the option? Update the game to version 2.0.0 or later. The update adds the early route and ensures DLC hooks are present for existing saves.

Step 3: Emerald Rush not available on DK Island? Beat the final boss and roll credits on that save. Void Kong’s runs unlock only after the main story is complete.

Step 4: Figurines shop missing? Speak to Squawks in the beach hut on DK Island first. Figurines are purchased with Banandium Chips and then placed around the island.

Once your save is updated and flagged by an Elder, DK Island and Emerald Rush are a short Warp Gong ride away—set up the route once and you can jump back in anytime.