Speedrunners have discovered a new trick in Donkey Kong Bananza that allows players to skip the game’s critical moment of obtaining Pauline as DK's companion. This speedrunning technique, which involves clipping through barriers, enables players to access the next game layer without completing the story segment. However, while this trick is innovative, players will encounter a soft lock since the boss fight cannot commence without Pauline present. This discovery showcases the continuous evolution of speedrunning strategies in Donkey Kong Bananza, which has received high praise for its gameplay mechanics and overall design.

Can speedrunners complete Donkey Kong Bananza without Pauline?

No, while speedrunners can skip obtaining Pauline, they will be soft-locked before reaching the next significant boss fight, as the game requires her for progression.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a major release for Nintendo, featuring advanced 3D platforming mechanics and vibrant environments. The game has been highly rated for its innovative gameplay, making it a standout title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Players can experience various challenges and abilities that contribute to an iconic gaming experience akin to previous franchise entries, further solidifying DK’s place in video game history.