Tracking all the layers and collectibles in Donkey Kong Bananza? Here’s a full breakdown of every layer, how long the game takes, and where to find all 777 Banandium Gems and fossils.
How Long Is Donkey Kong Bananza?
If you’re blasting through the main story, expect around 10–12 hours of gameplay—assuming you don’t stop to sniff every fossil or collect every last banana.
But let’s be real: Donkey Kong Bananza is a playground. There’s side content crammed into every layer—777 Banandium Gems, nearly 700 fossils, and challenge courses that practically beg you to ignore the story for “just five more minutes.”
All Donkey Kong Bananza Layers (Full List & SL Codes)
There are 17 total layers in DK Bananza, and most are split into sub-layers with different terrain types, level gimmicks, or bosses. While the game nudges you to go in order, there are moments (like The Divide) where you get to pick your path.
Here’s the full map, including their internal SL codes (aka Save Layer designations):
| Layer Name | SL Code(s) |
| Ingot Isle | SL 1–10 |
| Lagoon Layer | SL 100–102 |
| Hilltop Layer | SL 200 |
| Canyon Layer | SL 300–302 |
| The Divide | SL 400 |
| Freezer Layer | SL 500–503 |
| Forest Layer | SL 600–602 |
| The Junction | SL 700 |
| Resort Layer | SL 800 |
| Tempest Layer | SL 900–902 |
| Landfill Layer | SL 1000–1001 |
| Racing Layer | SL 1100 |
| Radiance Layer | SL 1200–1204 |
| Groove Layer | SL 1300 |
| Feast Layer | SL 1400–1401 |
| Forbidden Layer | SL 1500 |
| Planet Core | SL 1600–1609 |
100% Collectibles Guide: Banandium Gems & Fossils
If you’re aiming for full completion, here’s the breakdown:
- 777 Banandium Gems total
- Almost 700 fossils
- Treasure maps and DK’s Sonar ability help uncover tricky spots
Some collectibles are locked behind post-game content, so if you’re stuck at 775, don’t panic—it’s not a bug, it’s just endgame trolling.
All Collectible Counts by Layer:
| Layer Name | Bananas (Gems) | Fossils |
| Ingot Isle | 36 | — |
| Lagoon Layer | 56 | 72 |
| Hilltop Layer | 38 | 30 |
| Canyon Layer | 80 | 72 |
| The Divide | 10 | — |
| Freezer Layer | 87 | 72 |
| Forest Layer | 83 | 72 |
| The Junction | 15 | — |
| Resort Layer | 42 | 30 |
| Tempest Layer | 70 | 72 |
| Landfill Layer | 27 | 30 |
| Racing Layer | 10 | — |
| Radiance Layer | 76 | 72 |
| Groove Layer | 30 | 30 |
| Feast Layer | 69 | 72 |
| Forbidden Layer | 25 | 30 |
| Planet Core | 23 | 42 |
Pro Tips for 100% Completion
- Unlock DK’s Sonar ASAP. It highlights hidden collectibles like a treasure radar.
- Treasure maps help narrow down where missing fossils and gems are hiding.
- Use Fast Travel to bounce between layers once unlocked—especially helpful during late-game cleanup.
- Post-Game Areas: The final few gems are tucked away in Planet Core’s sub-layers. Finish the story to unlock them.
So, Can You Skip Anything?
Story-wise, nope—you’ll need to run through all 17 layers to hit the credits. But you don’t need to 100% the game to finish it. The collectibles are just for bragging rights, extra power-ups, and that sweet, sweet dopamine.
That said… if you are going full 777, welcome to the jungle. You’re in for a ride.
Wrap-Up
Donkey Kong Bananza might look like your typical banana-fueled platformer, but under the hood it’s a massive, vertical collectathon full of secrets, layers (literally), and a pretty flexible approach to exploration. Whether you’re beelining to the core or obsessively clearing every corner, the layer system gives you options—and the collectibles give you reasons to come back.
Now go get those fossils. You’ve got 699 problems and a bramble barrel ain’t one.
Also check:
What Amiibo Unlocks in Donkey Kong Bananza (and Whether It’s Worth Using)
Donkey Kong Bananza: Left or Right at The Divide? Freezer vs. Forest Layer Guide
Grumpy Kong Boss Fight Guide: How to Win Fast in Donkey Kong Bananza
