A complete guide to fossil types, usage, locations, and how to get them — written to answer what you need as fast as possible.
Fossils | Types | Locations | Collect Fossils | Gold Fossils | Fossil Museum | FAQs
What Are Fossils?
Fossils are collectibles in each layer (world) of Donkey Kong Bananza. They serve as a currency at the Style Shop, which sells:
Clothing,
Accessories,
Fur colors for DK and Pauline
These items give gameplay perks, like improved movement, extra rewards, or puzzle aid.
Important: Fossils are layer-specific. Lagoon fossils only work in the Lagoon Layer Style Shop, and so on.
Fossil Types & What They’re For
| Fossil Type | Color | Frequency | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Fossils | Blue | Very Common (61 per big layer / 30 per small) | Buy base outfits and their first upgrade |
| Rare Fossils | Red | Uncommon (10 per large layer) | Final upgrade for regular items + first two upgrades for special outfits |
| Extra-Rare Fossils | Gold | Ultra-Rare (1 per large layer) | Final upgrade for special outfits only |
You cannot use Gold Fossils on basic gear. Each fossil type matters.
Fossil Locations by Layer
Each layer has unique fossil designs and counts:
| Layer Name | Total Fossils | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Lagoon Layer | 72 | Ammonite (61), Anomalocaris (10), Whale (1) |
| Hilltop Layer | 30 | Ammonite Alt Color (30) |
| Canyon Layer | 72 | Leaf (61), Trilobite (10), Triceratops (1) |
| Freezer Layer | 72 | Sea Lily (61), Preserved Bug (10), T. Rex (1) |
| Forest Layer | 72 | Beaver (61), Pig (10), Spider (1) |
| Resort Layer | 30 | Leaf Alt Color (30) |
| Tempest Layer | 72 | Frog (61), Anglerfish (10), Swordfish (1) |
| Landfill Layer | 30 | Sea Lily Alt Color (30) |
| Radiance Layer | 72 | Banana Bird (61), Armadillo (10), Sea Urchin (1) |
| Groove Layer | 30 | Beaver Alt Color (30) |
| Feast Layer | 72 | Old Tire (61), Cathode-Ray Tube (10), Robot (1) |
| Forbidden Layer | 30 | Frog Alt Color (30) |
| Planet Core | 72 | 8-Bit Barrel (61), 8-Bit Items (10), 8-Bit DK (1) |
No fossils appear in: Ingot Isle, The Divide, The Junction, or the Racing Layer.
How to Collect Fossils Efficiently
Here’s how to make fossil-hunting smarter, not harder:
Use the Sonar Clap Skill
- Reveals hidden fossils
- Upgrade it early to save time
Break Everything
- Punch cracked walls
- Check above and below with Hand Slap
- Fossils hide in walls, caves, rooftops, and under petals
Buy Fossil Maps
Available at the Stuff Shop on each layer:
- Normal Fossil Map – 300 Gold
- Rare Fossil Map – 1,000 Gold
- Gold Fossil Map – 3,000 Gold (if available)
Maps get more expensive with each purchase
Revisit Locations
Many fossils need special powers or gear later in the game (e.g., Elephant Bananza, water level changes).
How to Get Gold Fossils (Extra-Rare) – Layer Tips
Gold Fossils = 1 per big layer. Here’s how to reach them:
| Layer | How to Get the Gold Fossil |
|---|---|
| Lagoon | Max water level ➝ SL101 ➝ climb platform, punch fossil |
| Canyon | Ride minecart from SL301 ➝ blast wall with Boom Bombs |
| Freezer | SL500 ➝ use Zebra Bananza ➝ hidden in petals on roof |
| Forest | SL601 ➝ drain poison ➝ near Rubbery Roost |
| Tempest | SL901 ➝ use Elephant Bananza ➝ clear lava wall |
| Radiance | SL1203 ➝ break slab near Oasis Observation Deck |
| Feast | SL1400 ➝ throw salt at muck-covered lion statue wall |
| Planet Core | SL1606 ➝ bomb cave bottom ➝ break concrete ➝ detonate all bombs |
Most Gold Fossils are puzzle-gated and require advanced abilities or late-game access.
Fossil Museum – Post-Game Reward
- Found in Groove Layer, behind a breakable wall
- Unlocks after the main story
- Shows every fossil type collected
Reward: 1 Banandium Gem for collecting one of each fossil type
NPC: Curator Collectone
Quick FAQ – Answers That Matter
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are fossils for? | Buying/upgrading clothing & accessories |
| Do fossils work in every layer? | No — only where they were found |
| How many fossils are there total? | 696 fossils |
| What does the Fossil Museum do? | Tracks collection & gives a reward |
| Where to get fossil maps? | Stuff Shop in each layer |
| Can I sell fossils? | No, but duplicates give Gold instead |
| Are some fossils missable? | No, but some require late-game powers |
Final Advice
- Explore thoroughly. Every layer hides fossils in clever spots.
- Upgrade Sonar ASAP. It’s the best fossil-finding tool.
- Save Gold Fossils for the gear you really want.
- Check Style Shops before spending — upgrades use different fossils.
Fossils are essential for full game completion, fashion, and function in Donkey Kong Bananza — don’t skip them.