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Pauline Donkey Kong Bananza: How to Unlock Her
In brief
Pauline is not available from the start of Donkey Kong Bananza, but becomes playable after progressing to the end of the second level of the Lagoon Layer area. To unlock her, you'll need to retrieve an ancient record for the Elder Kong, which will allow Pauline to transform into Kong Bananza and access her unique abilities.
Donkey Kong Bananza showcases a beloved character in a new, surprising form, but one that fans from the early days of the series know well. Pauline is indeed present in this adventure, but in an unexpected way. Here's what you need to do to unlock her and make use of her special abilities.

When and How to Unlock Pauline
Be careful, contrary to what one might think, Pauline is not accessible as a playable character right from the start of the adventure. She technically appears during the introduction on Ingot Isle, but under an unrecognizable appearance called "Strange Rock".
To obtain Pauline as a playable character, you'll need to progress until the end of the second level of the Lagoon Layer area. It's when you meet the Elder Kong, who allows Pauline to be unlocked, that he will entrust you with a mission: retrieve an old record. If you bring the record back to the Elder, its music will allow Pauline to come out of the rock and perform the first Kong Bananza transformation.
This transformation is an essential gameplay mechanic. Indeed, when you are in this special form, a yellow gauge (called Bananergy) decreases over time. To maintain this transformation, you'll need to collect gold coins that recharge the Bananergy potential. Additionally, by combining (holding) L and R, the player can perform drum rhythms to transform.

Using Pauline in Multiplayer Mode
Donkey Kong Bananza allows you to play cooperatively, as a second player can take control of Pauline. To activate this mode, simply press the + button to open the menu, then select the last icon on the left, which allows you to start "Co-op Mode".
This way, it's possible to play two-player locally, or via GameShare. The player controlling Pauline, by aiming with the targeting reticle, can fire Voice Blasts with the left joystick, and by using the ZR button to shoot. By holding this button down, it's also possible to copy materials in order to change the type of Voice Blast.

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Frequently asked questions
At what point in the game can you unlock Pauline?
What do you need to do to transform Pauline into Kong Bananza?
How do you play as Pauline in multiplayer?
What are Pauline's main attacks?
What is Bananergy and how do you recharge it?
Key takeaways
- Pauline unlocks at the end of the second level of the Lagoon Layer area, not at the beginning of the adventure.
- You must retrieve an ancient record for the Elder Kong in order to trigger Pauline's first Kong Bananza transformation.
- The Kong Bananza transformation consumes a Bananergy gauge that recharges by collecting gold coins.
- Pauline can be played by a second player in local co-op mode or online via GameShare.
- Pauline uses Vocal Blasts as her main attack, activated with the ZR button and the left joystick.
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