Banjo
A friendly brown bear and the primary player character.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Control Stick | Move Banjo and Kazooie |
|---|---|
A | Jump; press again in water to swim |
B | Attack or interact with context-sensitive abilities |
Z | Crouch and perform learned crouching moves |
C Buttons | Adjust the camera |
R | Center the camera behind the characters |
Control notes
The exact move available depends on the abilities learned from Bottles.
Button functions can vary slightly during transformations.
How it plays
How does Banjo-Kazooie play?
The game is viewed from a third-person perspective. Banjo and Kazooie leave Spiral Mountain and enter themed worlds through Gruntilda’s Lair, completing objectives to collect Jiggies and open new areas.
Players run, jump, swim, climb, attack enemies, solve environmental puzzles, and use abilities taught by Bottles. Notes improve access through the lair, while eggs, feathers, and other items support combat and movement. Each world contains multiple collectibles and tasks rather than a single linear route.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Banjo-Kazooie?
Explore each world systematically and revisit locations after learning new moves. Collect musical notes in manageable groups, since losing a life resets the note score for that world.
Use Mumbo Tokens to access transformations, and watch for visual clues that indicate hidden switches, tunnel entrances, and breakable objects. Completing puzzles and collecting Jiggies is usually more valuable than rushing to the exit.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Kazooie
A red-crested breegull who lives in Banjo’s backpack and provides attacks and movement abilities.
Gruntilda
The rhyming witch who kidnaps Tooty and serves as the main antagonist.
Tooty
Banjo’s sister, whose rescue begins the central adventure.
Bottles
A mole who teaches Banjo and Kazooie new abilities.
Mumbo Jumbo
A shaman who transforms Banjo and Kazooie in several worlds.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Hold L + R + C-Left + A to access the cheat input menu (may vary slightly by version)The game includes a cheat entry system for unlocks such as sound test options and infinite lives, but codes must be entered correctly in the appropriate menu.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Learn every move from Bottles before attempting difficult collectibles.
- 2
Use the transformation suited to each world’s restricted areas.
- 3
Keep track of Jinjos and notes by color and location.
Community discussion
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