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One of the most unexpected things included inDonkey Kong Bananzais the DK Artist game mode, which lets players mold, paint, and build 3D models. ThisMario Paint-like game moderequires you to use the Switch 2 mouse controls and features numerous brushes, tools, and controls to create just about anything you may imagine.
This secret game mode cannot be found in-game, though, and must be launched separately from your main save file. Follow this guide to learn how to play DK Artist and tounderstand the game’s control schemewith an easily referenceable list of all DK Artist controls.
How To Launch DK Artist In Donkey Kong Bananza
Open DK Bananza’s DK Artist Mode From The Main Menu
To unlock DK Artist and play this secret creative game mode, you mustgo back to the main menu. Be sure to save your game before you Return To Title so you don’t lose any progress. Either go back to the main menu via the Save Data settings or close, then re-open the game from the Switch 2 menu.
Instead of selecting an option on-screen, look to the top right of theDK Bananzalogo, and you should see an option for DK Artist.Press the + button on the right Joy-Con, and you will be transported into this secret game mode.
All DK Artist Controls, Explained
How To Play DK Artist Like A Pro
DK Artist essentially turns the game’s terrain destruction physics into a light sculpture simulation, like something betweenMario Paintand thesecret manipulation minigame inSuper Mario 64. However, this secret game modeonly works with the Switch 2 mouse controls.
After you start DK Artist, detach the Joy-Cons, find a flat surface for the right Joy-Con, and follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate it for mouse controls.
If successful, a small cursor should appear on-screen. Press the R button (on top of the right Joy-Con when used as a mouse) to break open the rock and reveal your base model and a suite of DK Artist controls.
All Controls In DK Artist & What They Do
While playing the DK Artist game mode, the left Joy-Con is not used as a mouse. Instead, it is used for most DK Artist controls and customization options. While you apply tools and select areas on your model with the right Joy-Con, the left Joy-Con is used primarily for swapping tools, brushes, colors, and other settings:
Left/Righton the d-pad (↔)
Up/Downon the d-pad (↑)
Select a color to apply with the Paint Brush
Zoom in
Zoom out
Rotateleft analog stick
Rotate camera
Click inleft analog stick
Reset camera position
Minus(-)
Undo and Redo – can only Undo one action, then Redo it with the same input.
Hold Minus(-)
Swap base model, selected at random
Theright Joy-Con is used as a mouse in DK Artist, which should be calibrated and confirmed via an in-game menu before the game mode launches. Find a flat surface and place the right Joy-Con on its side to use its optical sensor, which controls the on-screen cursor with more precision than the analog sticks.
To apply your currently selected brush or tool, press the R button. Other DK Artist controls on the right Joy-Con include:
Apply the currently selected brush or tool
Move the canvas without rotating the camera
Turn off the UI for screenshots
Adds a colored spotlight to the background
Adds rotating bananas in the background
Opens the game menu to return to the title screen
