Donkey Kong Barrel Blast is a racing game where the player can handle the selected character using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, replacing the DK Bongos that initially were to be used. To accelerate, the player must shake the Wii Remote and Nunchuk alternatively, lift them simultaneously to jump and use the motion sensor to beat rivals and obstacles and using items, while the character will be guided by the route of the tracks, including curves of automatic. Players can learn to race at Cranky's flight school where Cranky gives eight lessons on how to play the game, acceleration, use of elements and Wild Moves.

The main mode of play is a Grand Prix similar to that of Mario Kart. Also, like Mario Kart Arcade GP, more than one track will take place in a given area with three courses in DK Jungle, having three of the sea, three from the mountain, two are of the Desert, two are from the snow courses, and two are of the Temple of Heaven, and one in outer space. Like other racing games, Barrel Blastincludes a Time Trial Mode where players can choose this race on one track for the best time, and have save ghost data stats