Map Key

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Map Key
Map Key from Donkey Kong Country Returns.
First appearance Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010)
Latest appearance Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (2025)
Effect Unlocks a new path on the map
“What, you need a key to bust through some flimsy lock?”
Cranky Kong, Donkey Kong Country Returns

A Map Key is a special golden key used in Donkey Kong Country Returns and its Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch ports. One level in each of the eight worlds in the game contains a locked path that can be seen on the map screen as a lock with a golden chain. A Map Key is required to unlock the path for the level to be accessible for Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong after they have completed the previous one.

A Map Key can be purchased at Cranky Kong's Shop in each world for 20 Banana Coins (ten Banana Coins in both New Mode of the 3DS version and Modern Mode of the Switch version). Once bought and immediately after the Kongs exit the shop, the key unlocks the path that the Kongs are unable to access after finishing the previous level on the world's map screen. Unlocking the path can also provide a shortcut leading to another level and the world's boss without completing all the levels for each world.

Unlocked levels[edit]

The following levels are accessible via Map Keys:

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese もんキー[?]
Monkī
Pun on "monkey" and "key"