Whether he’s tossing barrels, chomping down bananas, or starring in his own jungle-sized adventures, Donkey Kong has been a beloved part of Nintendo’s legacy for decades.
That’s why it’s a bit of a shocker that he’s not available right out of the gate in Mario Kart World. But don’t sweat it—getting Donkey Kong on your roster is a breeze, even if you’re just starting your racing journey.
So, if you’re looking to bring the mighty Kong to your team and dominate the track with some serious simian power, here’s how you can unlock him.
Also check out Rocket Start and Gold Coins Guide in Mario Kart World.

How to Unlock Donkey Kong in Mario Kart World
To add Donkey Kong to your character lineup, all you need to do is complete the Mushroom Cup. Yep, that’s it!
The Mushroom Cup features four tracks, and the best part? You don’t have to win or even place in the top three.
Just finish each race in the Grand Prix mode and you’re golden. The four tracks you’ll race through are:
- Mario Bros. Circuit
- Crown City
- Whistlestop Summit
- DK Spaceport

Once you cross the finish line on that final track, you’ll get a “Character Unlocked” screen—congrats! Donkey Kong is now part of your Mario Kart World roster, ready to tear up the track.
Related Article: Master the Tracks with the Rewind Feature in Mario Kart World