Classic Arcade

Donkey Kong

Climb ladders, dodge barrels, and rescue the princess in this legendary 1981 arcade classic!

Score: 0High: 0
Level: 1Lives: ❤️❤️❤️
🦍

DONKEY KONG

Rescue the princess from the giant ape!

🎮 Arrow Keys/WASD to move

⬆️ Climb ladders with Up/W

🔨 Grab the hammer to smash barrels

👸 Reach the princess to win!

Press SPACE or ENTER

How to Play Donkey Kong

🎯 Objective

Help Mario climb the construction site to rescue the princess from Donkey Kong! Navigate sloped platforms, climb ladders, and avoid rolling barrels.

🎮 Controls

  • ⬅️➡️ Arrow Keys / A,D - Move left/right
  • ⬆️ Arrow Up / W - Climb ladder / Jump
  • ⬇️ Arrow Down / S - Climb down ladder
  • Space - Jump
  • P / Escape - Pause

🏆 Scoring

  • +100 points - Jump over a barrel
  • +300 points - Smash barrel with hammer
  • +2000 points - Rescue the princess

💡 Tips

  • 🔨 The hammer lasts 8 seconds - use it wisely!
  • 🪜 Barrels sometimes roll down ladders
  • 📐 Watch the sloped platforms!

About Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong revolutionized gaming when it debuted in arcades in 1981. Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, it introduced the world to both Donkey Kong and Mario (originally called "Jumpman") - characters that would become gaming icons.

The game pioneered the platformer genre with its innovative gameplay featuring ladders, moving obstacles, and multiple levels. It was one of the first games to tell a story through visual cutscenes between levels.

Our browser version recreates the classic first stage with its iconic sloped girders, rolling barrels, and dramatic rescue mission. Experience the game that started it all!

Tips & Strategies

  • •Learn barrel patterns - they tend to roll in predictable ways based on platform slopes
  • •Use ladders strategically - sometimes climbing is safer than jumping
  • •Save the hammer for crowded barrel situations
  • •Watch out for barrels that roll down ladders unexpectedly
  • •Timing jumps over barrels earns you points - risk vs reward!

Frequently Asked Questions

Use arrow keys or WASD to move Mario. Climb ladders to reach higher platforms while avoiding rolling barrels. Reach the princess at the top to complete the level!
Arrow Keys/WASD to move, Up/W to climb ladders and jump, Space to jump. On mobile, use the on-screen buttons.
You can jump over barrels for points, climb ladders to different levels, or collect the hammer to smash them!
The hammer gives you 8 seconds of barrel-smashing power! Any barrel you touch while holding the hammer is destroyed for 300 points.
Jump over barrels for 100 points, smash barrels with hammer for 300 points, and reach the princess for 2000 points plus level bonus.
The platforms are sloped girders! Watch your footing and be careful at the edges. Use ladders to safely move between levels.
Yes! Our Donkey Kong tribute is completely free to play online with no downloads required.
Absolutely! The game features touch-friendly controls with on-screen buttons for movement and jumping.
Each level increases barrel spawn rate and speed. The layout stays similar but the challenge grows!
You earn 2000 bonus points and advance to the next level. Donkey Kong won't give up that easily though!

Why Play Donkey Kong?

Gaming History

Experience the game that launched Mario's career

Quick Reflexes

Test your timing and reaction speed

Free to Play

No quarters needed!

Endless Challenge

Progressive difficulty keeps you coming back

Need a tool? Ask us!