Key: Difference between revisions

|caption=Kirby carries a '''Key''' to a gate that will accept it in ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]''.

The '''Key''' is an item, appearing in various ''[[Kirby (series)|Kirby]]'' titles, which is needed to unlock certain objects. It first appeared in ''[[Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble]]'' with the express purpose of helping the Kirbys obtain items from within [[Treasure Chest]]s, but would take a more generalized purpose of unlocking [[Gate]]s and [[Door]]s in the main ''Kirby'' series, starting with ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]''.

In ''[[Kirby Mass Attack]]'', keys can be found at various points in certain stages, often tucked away in obscure locations or held by certain enemies. Keys can also occasionally be found out in the open near the beginning of a room or area, with the challenge merely being getting it to its destination. A key can be grabbed and held by one of the Kirbys, but if that Kirby is harmed, he will drop the key and it will shatter. Keys are used to unlock [[Treasure|Treasure Chest]]s, which typically contain [[Medal]]s. There is also a special variety of key called the [[Skull Key]], which warps the Kirbys to a battle with the [[Skull Gang]] when collected.

Exclusive to ''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]'', Keys will instead float beside Kirby when he collects one. [[Grinkey]]s also turn into Keys when defeated. Lastly, the [[Dethskullk King]] wears a key around his neck, and will drop it when defeated.

In ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'', the Key is large and golden, with a blue star gem inset in the bow and two locks, designed in a lever type fashion. It glows with a consistent aura and emanates rays of light.  

The Key can be picked up, carried, and thrown like many other items in the game. Similarly, the character holding the Key can only make one jump and cannot use any attack but a [[Slide]]. When thrown, the Key can deal minor damage to enemies. The key can be used on any gate with a lock, and unlocking a gate will remove both key and gate from existence. Additionally, while holding the key, certain enemies, such as [[Scarfy|Hunter Scarfies]] and [[Degout|Hunter Degouts]] will pursue the carrier until that character no longer has the Key.

In ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'', holding on to a Key for too long will cause it to grow unstable and eventually shatter, much like the other items in the game. However, in ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' and onward, that limit has been removed. ''Triple Deluxe'' also introduces locked [[door]]s which can be opened using a key.

In ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]'', there are special color-coded Keys in addition to the usual ones. These keys can only be used on their matching-color door.

[[Key Dee]]s are [[Waddle Dee]]-like enemies that carry Keys. Usually Kirby and his friends will need to catch up with and dispatch this enemy to get its Key before that enemy runs off an edge with it or unlocks an undesirable door.

*In ''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'', Keys cannot be found, but another object - the [[Battery]] - serves almost the exact same purpose.