Grinding gold in Donkey Kong Bananza is pretty straightforward, and you’ll likely stack up a decent chunk of it early on. Gold might feel like a side resource, but it’s super useful for making your way through the game’s Layers a lot smoother.
Best Uses of Gold in Donkey Kong Bananza
Stuff Shop
The Stuff Shop is where you can drop some gold on handy consumables. You might stumble across these items while exploring, but Apple Juice, Melon Juice, and Red Balloons are worth the cost. Apple Juice brings DK back to life if he runs out of hearts, saving you from restarting at a checkpoint. Melon Juice lets you use Bananza Powers without a full Bananergy meter. Red Balloons are a clutch save if DK falls into a pit, using one to pull him out each time.
Bananergy
Piling up gold boosts DK’s Bananergy meter, which powers his special abilities. A high Bananergy level helps you smash through enemies and speed through levels.
Chip Exchange
Once you hit the Hilltop Layer, the Chip Exchange counter opens up. Here, DK can trade Banandium Chips and gold for Banandium Gems. The more you trade, the pricier it gets, maxing out at 300 gold per exchange.
Architectones and Getaways
Getaways are cozy spots where DK and Pauline can chill, play music, or swap outfits. They also heal DK and give him a temporary yellow heart for
for extra health. After a free bed in the Lagoon Layer, Getaways cost gold. Starting in the Hilltop Layer, Architectones will build these rest spots for a fee.
Constructones and Shortcuts
Constructones, like Architectones, offer services for gold. Pay them, and they’ll open shortcuts in levels. These can make zipping around easier and might lead to challenge courses, even with the game’s fast-travel system.
Growtones and Banandium Gems
Past the Canyon Layer, you’ll find Growtones—trees that eat up tons of gold. Drop thousands of ounces, and they’ll sprout branches that give you three Banandium Gems each time.