Struggling with Grumpy Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza? Here’s the gamer’s guide to beating him fast using Bananza mode, quick attacks, and some timing tricks.
So You’ve Met Grumpy Kong…
Congrats, you’ve made it to the first real boss in Donkey Kong Bananza. After rolling over Peekabruiser like a banana peel, now it’s time for the big grump himself: Grumpy Kong. He’s got layers, he’s got a dirt club the size of a minivan, and he’s not here to play.
But guess what? He’s actually super beatable if you know the trick. And lucky you, we’re gonna spell it out like Pauline’s yelling it from the sidelines.
Quick Prep: What You Need
- Bananza Mode unlocked (Hold L+R)
- Reflexes sharp enough to dodge a slam
- Optional: Lower the difficulty if you’re just here for vibes
Now, let’s break this fight down—layer by layer.
Phase 1: Break the Club, Break the Layer
What Happens:
Grumpy Kong shows up in a massive statue mech with a dirt club. He swings it if you get too close.
What You Do:
- Trigger Bananza Mode by holding L+R.
- Bait Grumpy into doing a club slam.
- While it’s lodged in the ground, smash it to bits.
Once the club’s gone, Grumpy loses his main weapon. He’ll still jump and body slam like a toddler on a sugar high, but it’s easier to dodge with a quick ZL roll.
Now? It’s time to go full demolition.
Destroy the Bottom Layer:
- Stay in Bananza mode.
- Focus standard attacks on the dirt layer.
- Skip charge punches—they’re slow, and you’re just asking to get flattened.
Phase 2: Middle Layer Meltdown
New layer, new look, same plan.
Grumpy’s got no club, just tantrum slams and the occasional roar-for-intimidation moment.
What to do:
- Stick with regular Bananza punches.
- Keep dodging slams.
- Watch the floor—it shakes before each attack.
It doesn’t take long to break through this one, especially if you’re already in turbo mode.
Phase 3: The Final Climb – Face to Face With Grumpy
Now we’re cookin’. Grumpy Kong pops out at the top like a grumpy Jack-in-the-box. You’ve got to climb up and throw hands.
Watch for the Club Swipe:
- Grumpy only pulls the club back out once you’re in his face.
- Pauline will yell “Look out!” when he’s about to swing.
- When she does, immediately jump down, wait for the swing, then climb back up and resume the beatdown.
Keep that rhythm going:
- Climb
- Punch
- Bail when warned
- Repeat
Eventually, his purple health bar hits zero and Grumpy goes down in a glorious pile of shame and shattered dirt.
Speedrun Tips to Cheese the Fight
- Club first, always. Don’t try to whittle the layer down while he’s still swinging that thing.
- Stay in Bananza mode as long as possible. No point saving it—this fight’s made for it.
- Charge punches are optional and honestly kind of a trap. Go basic and fast.
- Listen to Pauline. She’s your best dodge cue in the last phase.
Can’t Beat Him? Flip the Settings
Grumpy giving you grief? There’s no shame in bumping the difficulty down temporarily. The fight’s way less annoying on Easy, and you still get the rewards.
Wrap-Up: Smash, Climb, Roll, Repeat
Grumpy Kong might show up looking like a final boss reject from Tropical Freeze, but with some good timing and a whole lot of Bananza punching, you’ll flatten him faster than a crate full of weak bananas.
Now grab those post-fight rewards and get ready—VoidCo’s just getting warmed up.
Also check:
What Amiibo Unlocks in Donkey Kong Bananza (and Whether It’s Worth Using)
Jump Higher in Donkey Kong Bananza: Jump Shot Guide & Climbing Tricks
Hangin’ on Roof Road in Donkey Kong Bananza: Complete Walkthrough & All 3 Banandium Gems
