Can’t decide between Normal Mode or Assist Mode in Donkey Kong Bananza? Here’s a full breakdown of both settings, how to switch between them, and tips for increasing difficulty manually.
Which Mode Is Right for You, Banana Brawler?
When you boot up Donkey Kong Bananza on the Nintendo Switch 2 and get that juicy cinematic intro, one of the first things the game throws at you is: “Choose your difficulty.” Seems simple, right?
But it’s actually a pretty important choice — especially since the game’s difficulty affects how hard DK gets hit, how much help you get, and what you lose when things go south.
Let’s break down the difference between Normal Mode and Assist Mode, how to change your choice mid-game, and how to make things even harder if you’re a glutton for jungle punishment.
Donkey Kong Bananza Difficulty Modes, Explained
Assist Mode – The Chill Vibes Setting
Perfect for:
- Newcomers to 3D platformers
- Younger players
- Anyone who’s here for the ride, not the pain
What Assist Mode Does:
- Reduced Damage – DK takes less damage from enemies.
- Auto-Heal Over Time – No apples or naps required.
- ️ Always-On Quest Markers – No whistling needed to find your next objective.
- Flat Death Penalty – Only lose 100 gold if you bite the dust, no matter how rich you are.
Translation: If you just wanna vibe through VoidCo’s shenanigans without sweating every hit, this is the mode for you.
Normal Mode – The Classic DK Experience
Perfect for:
- Platformer veterans
- Players who love a challenge
- Anyone who enjoys collecting gold and losing it
What Normal Mode Does:
- Full Damage – Enemies hit hard, especially in later layers.
- No Auto-Heal – You’ll need apples or sleep spots to patch up.
- Quest Markers Require Whistling – Gotta signal for help to get your bearings.
- 10% Gold Loss on Death – You mess up? The game takes your wallet.
Translation: It’s not Dark Souls, but it ain’t baby mode either.
Is There a Hard Mode in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Not officially. There’s no in-game Hard Mode toggle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t crank the chaos manually. Here’s how to DIY your own hardcore jungle run:
Custom Hard Mode Tips:
- Skip all upgrades and perks – No health boosts, no power-ups.
- Avoid special outfits – Some clothes give combat buffs. Stay bare-bones.
- No fast travel – Make it old-school and walk everywhere.
- Ignore side objectives – Mainline the story without bonus resources.
As you get closer to the Planet Core, the enemies get more aggressive and terrain gets tougher. So even in Normal Mode, the game does get spicy on its own — but if you want full bananas-to-the-wall difficulty, these self-imposed rules will absolutely raise your heart rate.
How to Change Difficulty in Donkey Kong Bananza
One of the best parts? You can switch between modes anytime. No need to restart your save file or rewatch cutscenes like it’s 2002.
How to Switch Modes Mid-Game:
- Press the + button to pause.
- Scroll to the gear icon for Settings.
- Flip between Normal Mode and Assist Mode as needed.
⚠️ Pro Tip: You can toggle before a boss if it’s giving you trouble, then switch back after. The game doesn’t judge.
So… Which Mode Should You Pick?
| You Want To… | Best Mode |
| Just enjoy the story, puzzles & vibe | Assist Mode |
| Get a steady challenge, but still manageable | Normal Mode |
| Sweat through every level like a mad ape | Normal + Self-Imposed Rules |
Choose Your Jungle Pain Wisely
Donkey Kong Bananza gives you a choice — go in full beast mode, or take it easy and enjoy the journey. Either way, it’s great that the game lets you switch on the fly.
So whether you’re whistling for help in Assist Mode or tanking banana loss in Normal, just remember: DK’s gonna flex either way.
Now get in there, bust some crates, and make VoidCo regret everything.
Also check:
The Salvager’s Stash: How to Grab the Hidden Banana Below the Shop in DK Bananza
How to Find the Hidden Banana in Nostalgia Country – Donkey Kong Bananza Guide
Donkey Kong Bananza: How to Respec Skills (And Where to Find Every Elder)
