Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: 3 Tips to Help You Survive the Early Game

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD isn't a particularly easy game, so death is inevitable for all but the most seasoned platforming veterans.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a classic platformer that was originally released on the Wii. It has since been re-released on other platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. The game is known for its challenging difficulty, but it also offers a lot of replayability. If you're new to the game, or if you're just looking for some tips to help you get started, then read on.

1. Don't be afraid to use the Super Guide.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD isn't a particularly easy game, so death is inevitable for all but the most seasoned platforming veterans. If you're dying quite a lot in a level, you'll eventually be offered the Super Guide, which essentially completes the level for you so that you can move on without the frustration.

Super Guide is a huge help (especially for younger players or those less skilled at platforming games), but it comes with a caveat: You won't retain any collectibles you pick up. This means that you'll need to return later if you wish to aim for a fully completed save file.

2. Use the early-game banana coin farm to stock up on items.

Banana coins are relatively plentiful in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. If you're finding the game difficult, it can't hurt to stockpile them for extra items at Cranky's Shop. Luckily, there are a few solid early-game farming spots that can help you rack them up quickly.

My favorite is Sloppy Sands (2-2). Head through the level until you've passed the first checkpoint. You'll come to a spot with the letter “O” and three squid cannons shooting at you. Since banana coins can be earned by maintaining a combo on enemies without touching the ground, you can use Diddy's jetpack here to repeatedly land on the squids and defeat them for constant coin collection.

When you've got all the banana coins you'd like, make sure to visit Cranky's Shop and start stocking up on useful items!

3. Use some of those banana coins for Map Keys.

Though Cranky's Shop is a great place to stock up on extra lives and protection potions, it's also where you'll find Map Keys. These are used to unlock the chained path in each world, which leads to extra levels and often gives you an additional way to reach the world's boss. If you're going for 100% completion of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, you won't want to pass up buying these Map Keys.

Good luck out there, you big ape.