If you’ve just rolled credits on Donkey Kong Bananza, you might be wondering what’s next in the underground rhythm-fueled world of DK and Pauline. The good news? The adventure doesn’t stop after the final boss. The post-game content is rich with collectibles, challenges, and secrets that extend your gameplay by 10+ hours.
Here’s everything you can do after finishing the main story in Donkey Kong Bananza.
1. Claim Free Post-Game Outfits
After finishing the main story, players are automatically rewarded with:
- DK’s Mining Helmet
- Pauline’s Gold-Mining Gear: Doubles the amount of gold earned from pickups
These aren’t just cosmetic—they help speed up gold farming, which is essential for unlocking more post-game content.
You can also unlock:
- Pauline’s Diva Dress (via Elder Rehearsals)
- DK’s Invisibility Tie (via Ingot Isle restoration)
These outfits not only change the character’s appearance but also tie directly into gameplay systems like currency farming and outfit-based side objectives.
See also: Donkey Kong Bananza: Forest Layer Ancient Record Piece Locations Guide
2. Explore Ingot Isle Cave-In (SL10)
This previously inaccessible area opens up after the credits roll. Here’s what you’ll find:
- 33 new Banandium Gems
- Grumpy Kong, who offers three restoration projects:
- Battle Rush – 5,000 Gold
- Boss Rush – 10,000 Gold
- Baboomtown Restoration – 120,000 Gold
Completing all three unlocks:
- A giant golden DK statue
- Access to the Invisibility Tie (from Poppy Kong)
Grumpy Kong becomes the central figure in progressing post-game construction goals, and investing in these upgrades unlocks both cosmetic and functional rewards.
3. Track Down Remaining Bananas, Fossils & Music Discs
Even if you were thorough, it’s likely you missed some:
- 777 Banandium Gems – Required to upgrade all transformations and unlock Elder Rehearsals
- 696 Fossils – Used to buy all Style Shop outfits
- 110 Music Discs – Adds more tracks to the game’s jukebox and battle music rotation
Fossils are exchanged at various Style Shops spread across layers. Each shop has unique outfit themes for DK and Pauline, so collecting every fossil is essential for full wardrobe completion.
You can also visit the Fossil Museum in Groove Layer (SL1300) to see which fossil types you’ve collected. It’s located in the top-right corner of the layer’s first room. Once all fossil types are collected, speak to the museum curator to receive a bonus Banandium Gem.
See also: Donkey Kong Bananza: All SL101 Banandium Gem Locations (Gems #26–40)
Music Discs are primarily dropped by enemies and mini-bosses, so revisiting cleared zones is worthwhile if you’re still missing a few.
4. Complete the Six Elder Rehearsals
The most rewarding post-game challenge comes in the form of Elder Rehearsals. Here’s what you unlock:
Elder Rehearsal Requirements
| Elder | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Kong Elder | 300 Banandium Gems |
| Zebra Elder | 350 Banandium Gems |
| Ostrich Elder | 400 Banandium Gems |
| Elephant Elder | 500 Banandium Gems |
| Snake Elder | 600 Banandium Gems |
| Great Harmoneel | Complete all five Elder Rehearsals |
Rewards:
- Golden Skills for transformations
- Replica Ancient Records
- Diva Dress for Pauline
- Unlock the Secret Ending
Replica Ancient Records are crafted from unbreakable material and can be used to break through all terrain types, including otherwise inaccessible Turf Surf zones.
See also: Hardest Donkey Kong Bananza Outfits to Unlock & Why They’re Worth It
Completing all rehearsals and returning to the surface unlocks the game’s secret ending—a final cutscene that offers closure and fan-service.
5. Restore the Disco Hall in Groove Layer (SL1300)
A new post-game event activates in Groove Layer where the Disco Hall loses sound. Complete this repair quest to:
- Restore music to the area
- Unlock the ability to change the background music using your collected Music Discs
This minor quest offers a fun way to personalize the soundtrack and revisit previously completed layers with new ambiance.
6. Find Glamtone and Solve Outfit Challenges
A unique post-game NPC, Glamtone, appears randomly and tests your fashion sense.
- They give outfit-based challenges across all 17 layers
- Wear the correct outfit as described and get a Banandium Gem
Glamtone’s challenges require you to pay attention to both clues and the outfits you’ve unlocked through Style Shops. Their randomized appearances encourage full exploration of each layer.
7. Take on Rowdy Race Time Trials
Feeling competitive? Rowdy Race Mode unlocks in Racing Layer (SL1100) and lets you test your movement skills:
- Time attack challenge using DK’s Turf Surfing
- Beat your own best times or aim for flawless runs
Rowdy Race adds replay value by rewarding mechanical mastery and platforming precision, separate from the game’s combat-focused zones.
See also: Spinning Laser Zone Donkey Kong Bananza Guide: All Banandium Gem Locations
8. Aim for 100% Completion
If you’re a completionist, here are the full post-game completion goals:
- Unlock All Outfits: Collect all 696 fossils and visit Style Shops to get every clothing item for DK and Pauline.
- Collect All Banandium Gems: Gather all 777 gems to fully upgrade skills and unlock Elder Rehearsals.
- Complete Elder Rehearsals: Finish all six trials to earn golden skills, Replica Records, and unlock the secret ending.
- Finish Grumpy Kong’s Projects: Spend gold to build Battle Rush, Boss Rush, and the Baboomtown Restoration. Earn the Invisibility Tie and a golden DK statue.
- Restore the Disco Hall: Complete the Groove Layer quest to reactivate music and unlock BGM customization.
- Beat Rowdy Race Mode: Take on time trials in Racing Layer SL1100 and sharpen your movement with Turf Surf mechanics.
- Collect All Music Discs: Find all 110 discs dropped by enemies to unlock new background tracks.
- Watch the Secret Ending: Complete all rehearsals and return to the surface to see the hidden finale.
Why the Post-Game Experience Matters
The post-game content in Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just filler—it gives closure to DK and Pauline’s journey, deepens lore through the secret ending, and adds high-reward challenges that push your skills and collection strategy to their peak.
Whether you’re chasing every collectible or just want to power up DK’s full potential, there’s plenty to keep you busy underground long after the credits roll.
Related Guides You Might Like:
- Donkey Kong Bananza Beginner Tips: Essential Guide to Skills, Gems & Getaways
- Donkey Kong Bananza: All SL101 Banandium Gem Locations (Gems #26–40)
- Donkey Kong Bananza: Forest Layer Ancient Record Piece Locations Guide
- Hardest Donkey Kong Bananza Outfits to Unlock & Why They’re Worth It
- How to Use Donkey Kong Bananza Jump Shot for Double & Triple Jumps
The post-game is where Donkey Kong Bananza truly shines, offering a robust mix of platforming challenges, progression upgrades, and nostalgic payoffs for dedicated players. Play Now!
