Mario vs. Donkey Kong Worlds and Plus mode: the GBA route at a glance
Follow the six original worlds and understand what changes after the first ending.
Edition covered
Original 2004 Game Boy Advance game. Excludes the 2024 Switch remake’s added worlds, cooperative play, Casual mode and changed Expert requirements.
Each regular world has six rescue rooms
The first six levels use a key area followed by a Mini-Mario area. The seventh gathers the rescued Minis, and the eighth is a Donkey Kong fight.
| Number | World | Typical obstacles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario Toy Company | Garbage cans, Shy Guys and switches |
| 2 | Donkey Kong Jungle | Ropes, Monchees and Snapjaws |
| 3 | Fire Mountain | Lava and fire-producing enemies |
| 4 | Spooky House | Boos, Polterguys and Thwomps |
| 5 | Mystic Forest | Bob-ombs and conveyor machinery |
| 6 | Twilight City | Lasers and robotic hazards |
Worlds teach different obstacles
The jungle centers on ropes, while later mechanical worlds add conveyors and lasers. Watch each level’s introductory demonstration for the move or object it expects you to use.
| Format | Objective | Failure concern |
|---|---|---|
| Regular first area | Bring key to locked door | Time and carrying route |
| Regular second area | Rescue the encased Mini-Mario | Damage or running out of time |
| Mini-Mario gathering | Guide the six toys to their box | Lost toys reduce boss health |
| Plus stage | Escort the key-carrying Mini to the door | Either Mario or Mini can fail the run |
| Expert stage | Bring key to door in one room | Demanding route with no Mini rescue |
The first finale opens six Plus Worlds
After clearing the original main route, Mario pursues the toys again. Plus levels combine the key and escort objectives into one room rather than repeating the original two-area structure.
Keep the remake’s additions separate
Merry Mini-Land and Slippery Summit belong to the Switch remake. They are not missing unlocks in the Game Boy Advance cartridge.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Nintendo game information or original manual | www.nintendo.com |
| Original-edition mechanics and reference | www.mariowiki.com |