Best if you want precision platforming that rewards mastery, with co-op that feels collaborative rather than chaotic, wrapped in some of the genre's most polished level design and vibrant presentation.
Tropical Freeze delivers the kind of platforming where every jump, roll, and bounce feels deliberately tuned. Controls respond with surgical precision, giving you the confidence to tackle increasingly inventive obstacle courses that demand both reflexes and spatial awareness. Each world introduces fresh mechanical twists—mine cart sequences, rocket barrel flights, underwater exploration—that keep the formula from ever settling into predictable rhythm. The learning curve respects your time. Early islands teach fundamentals gently, but by the third world you'll face gauntlets that require memorizing patterns and executing tight sequences. Deaths come frequently, yet checkpoints are fair enough that you're analyzing what went wrong rather than throwing controllers. Secret exits and puzzle pieces reward exploration without feeling mandatory, giving completionists substantial reasons to revisit stages. Co-op transforms the experience into a tactical partnership. Your second player controls companions with distinct abilities: Diddy's jetpack extends jumps, Dixie's helicopter spin grants precious air time, Cranky's cane-bounce negates spikes. Coordinating these powers through demanding sections creates genuine collaboration. When one player gets knocked out, they float in a barrel until rescued, keeping both players engaged rather than forcing restarts. Funky Mode fundamentally rebalances difficulty without trivializing it. Extra hearts, hover jumps, and spike immunity remove punishment for minor errors while preserving the satisfaction of nailing tricky sequences. It's thoughtfully implemented rather than feeling tacked-on, making this equally suitable for mixed-skill households or anyone who wants challenge without frustration. Session structure suits short bursts or marathon runs. Individual stages take 8-15 minutes on first attempts, with bonus stages and collectible hunts extending playtime considerably. Boss encounters cap each world with multi-phase battles that test pattern recognition. The whole campaign spans 8-10 hours, with 100% completion pushing past 20 hours as you hunt down every secret and tackle time trials. Presentation elevates already-excellent fundamentals. David Wise's dynamic soundtrack shifts in response to gameplay, art direction bursts with color and personality, and animation brings weight to every movement. This is platforming craftsmanship firing on all cylinders.
2 local
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze does not support crossplay, supports up to 2 players locally, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Multiplayer • Co-op • Local Couch Co-op • Shared Screen
Supports 2-player local co-op (shared screen) for the main adventure (co-op campaign). No online multiplayer, no LAN play, and no cross-play. Player 1 controls Donkey Kong (or Funky Kong in Funky Mode); Player 2 controls the current partner Kong (Diddy/Dixie/Cranky).
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
The Nintendo Switch version includes Funky Mode, which wasn't available in the original Wii U release. This adds substantial accessibility options and an alternative way to experience the game without changing core level design.
The Switch version runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes. Portable play works well for shorter sessions, though some later stages benefit from the precision of a full controller rather than Joy-Cons.
Funky Mode provides extra health, immunity to spike damage, and enhanced jump abilities that significantly lower difficulty. Partner characters offer various assists, and cooperative play allows a stronger player to carry through tough sections. No difficulty adjustment mid-playthrough without restarting, and no remappable controls.
Click any screenshot to view in full size
If you enjoyed Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
Four-player couch co-op platforming with clear roles, generous checkpoints, and constant teamwork moments—great for families who loved shared-screen Kongs chaos.
Excellent couch co-op in tight 2D stages, music levels, and constant collectibles—team revives and playful chaos make it a perfect shared-screen platformer night.
Classic side-scrolling co-op with drop-in/drop-out play, forgiving assists, and readable levels—captures that fast, bouncy momentum without the brutal spikes.
Designed for two players: coordinated swinging, pulling, and puzzle-platforming. Gentle difficulty curve and frequent checkpoints keep co-op flowing and friendly.
Expansive alternatives to Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze featuring larger worlds, deeper progression systems, and extended campaigns for players seeking more content.
A modern 2D platformer built around a hub world that reshapes levels. Tons of secrets and a big finale gauntlet give a larger, exploratory twist on the formula.
Long campaign with dense levels, hidden routes, and replay goals. It scratches that “perfect run” platforming itch while offering many worlds and challenges.
A full-length, content-rich platforming adventure with costumes, secrets, and co-op stages—more of a big, varied journey while staying bright and approachable.
For players who mastered Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and want to test their skills against harder difficulty, punishing mechanics, and unforgiving gameplay.
Tough precision platforming with ultra-tight movement, demanding screens, and optional B/C-side mastery. Instant retries keep the difficulty intense but fair.
Relentless, bite-sized deathtrap levels built for speed and precision. The difficulty ramps hard, but rapid restarts and ghost replays push you to improve.
Brutal platforming roguelike where every run tests timing, item use, and hazard reading. Co-op adds hilarious disaster management when things go sideways.
Perfect for quick gaming sessions, these games offer the satisfaction of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze in bite-sized 15-30 minute chunks.
Zones break into quick, energetic bursts ideal for short play. Fast momentum platforming, catchy stages, and instant restarts make it easy to jump in anytime.
Short, cheerful levels built for quick couch sessions. Simple controls, copy abilities, and up to four-player drop-in play keep the pace light and welcoming.
We've included this game in 1 article.
Tropical Freeze earns its spot as a premium couch co-op platformer where partner abilities actually matter. The second player isn't just along for the ride—Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky each bring unique skills that help both players survive Nintendo's expertly crafted gauntlets. Funky Mode opens the door for mixed-skill pairs, while standard mode rewards tight coordination through demanding later worlds.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Standard mode is legitimately challenging, especially in later worlds and bonus stages. Expect to die frequently while learning patterns. Funky Mode softens this considerably with extra hearts and more forgiving mechanics, making it accessible for casual players or families.
Main story runs 8-10 hours. Hunting all collectibles, puzzle pieces, and secret exits extends this to 20+ hours. Individual stages take 8-15 minutes initially, making it friendly for both quick sessions and longer play.
Both shine. Solo gives cleaner execution for precision sequences. Co-op adds tactical depth with complementary abilities and creates shared triumph moments. Funky Mode makes co-op especially welcoming for mixed skill levels.
Not at all. This is completely standalone with no story dependencies. Familiar characters return, but the game explains mechanics from scratch and requires no prior series knowledge.
In Funky Mode, yes—extra health and forgiving mechanics make it manageable for ages 7+. Standard mode is quite tough even for experienced players. Co-op lets adults guide younger players through difficult sections.
