Okay, so I thought I was the only one who couldn’t figure out the double jump in Donkey Kong Bananza.
Turns out, the game kinda hides how it works.
In this guide, you will learn all about the Jump Shot skill in Donkey Kong Bananza, including how to unlock it, how to use it, and one trick I figured out that helps you reach even higher areas.
What the Jump Shot Is and Why It Matters in Donkey Kong Bananza
Jump Shot is a special move that lets you double jump in DK Bananza.
It’s super useful for getting to places a regular jump just won’t reach.
But here is the catch: it’s not available by default.
I only discovered how it works after I saw another player doing it and couldn’t replicate it for days.
You have to unlock it in the skill tree, and for that, you will need Banandium Gems, which drop from challenge courses.
The game never explains that directly, which can leave you wondering if your game is broken or you are just missing something.
How to Unlock and Use the Double Jump (Jump Shot)
First, unlock the Jump Shot ability:
- Stock up on Banandium Gems by completing challenge courses.
- Head to the skill tree and unlock the Jump Shot.
Once unlocked, here’s how to use it:
- Hold “ZR” to tear up a chunk of the terrain.
- Tap “A” to perform your regular jump while holding the chunk.
- In mid-air, tap “A” again to perform the Jump Shot (your second jump).
Bonus Trick: If you want an even higher jump, use the terrain chunk to make a temporary step. Hold “ZR” to lift a piece of land, then press “R” to place it. Climb it and jump from there using “A”. It works wonders in vertical maps.
Don’t waste your Jump Shot mid-jump unless you’re sure of the angle.
I flubbed so many jumps because I panicked and pressed “A” too early.
What Players Get Wrong About the Double Jump in DK Bananza
A lot of people assume you can double jump without tearing up the land, but that’s not how the skill works.
The Jump Shot is tied to you holding a chunk of terrain.
If you try it empty-handed, nothing will happen.
***Another thing: some guides say you have to hold “A” the second time. Nope. Just a quick tap does it, and it gives better control over your arc.
What helped me most was practicing the timing in the beginner challenge course until it became muscle memory.
Conclusion
That’s what’s worked for me so far.
If the devs patch anything, I will add to this.
But here’s the thing, once you get the rhythm in Donkey Kong Bananza, the double jump becomes second nature.
Additional Reading
What Is a Voxel in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Is There Co-Op in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Donkey Kong Bananza Skill Tree Guide
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
