Gimkit turns standard review sessions into live, money-based quiz games where students earn virtual currency for correct answers. Teachers act as the host — building question sets, picking game modes, and monitoring results in real time. This guide covers everything a Gimkit host needs to get a session running from scratch.
How to Host a Gimkit Game: Step-by-Step
Hosting starts at gimkit.com. A free account gives access to basic features; Gimkit Pro unlocks larger question banks, more customization, and additional game settings worth considering for regular classroom use.
- Sign in and open the dashboard. You’ll see three sections: My Kits, Assignments, and Classes.
- Select “New Kit.” Add a title, choose a language, and set the subject. To create a Kit in Gimkit, you can type questions manually, import a Quizlet set, or pull from the built-in question bank. Each question needs at least one correct answer and one wrong option.
- Pick a game mode and adjust settings — session length, point targets, and available power-ups.
- Hit “Host.” Gimkit generates a join code. Share it with students; they enter it at gimkit.com/join. The process is similar to joining a Kahoot session.
- Monitor the live leaderboard, drop hints when needed, and review individual stats after the round ends.
What a Gimkit Host Sees During a Live Session
The host dashboard shows a live leaderboard updated after each answer. You can track which students are struggling, see question-level accuracy, and pause the game to review a tricky item with the class.
Gimkit also has a Read to Me feature that reads questions aloud on each student’s device — useful for younger students or mixed-ability groups. The leaderboard on a student device can also be displayed so participants track their own rank without the host’s screen.
Gimkit Game Modes Every Host Should Know
Each mode changes how the session feels. Classic is the baseline; the others add pressure or collaboration. Choosing the right mode depends on your goal for that session.
Game mode comparison — time pressure / collaboration / complexity
For a broader look at how these game-based formats compare to other platforms, the Blooket vs Kahoot breakdown covers where each tool fits best.
Gimkit also offers 2D game modes like Blastball and Don’t Look Down, which require WebGL support in the browser and add a different layer of engagement beyond standard quiz formats.
Hosting Gimkit Assignments for Async Learning
Not every session has to be live. Gimkit assignments let a host send the same Kit as homework with a set deadline. Students complete it on their own schedule; results flow back to the host dashboard automatically.
This is especially practical for review nights before a test or for absent students who missed a live round. Gimkit classes keep rosters organized so assignments reach the right students without manual sorting.
Gimkit Host Features That Improve Session Quality
Smart repetition surfaces questions that individual students missed — rather than cycling every item equally, it prioritizes gaps. This makes review sessions more targeted without the host manually tracking who struggled with what.
For larger groups, Gimkit groups split participants into teams, which changes how leaderboards read and how certain modes play out. Trust No One in particular benefits from intentional group sizes.
Writing questions clearly matters more than volume. Ambiguous wording slows games down and triggers disputes. Shorter question sets answered multiple times through smart repetition outperform long sets answered once.
FAQs
How do you host a Gimkit game for free?
Create a free account at gimkit.com, build a Kit, select a game mode, and generate a join code. Free accounts support live hosting with a limited question bank and fewer game settings than paid tiers.
How many players can join a Gimkit session?
Gimkit supports up to 250 players in a single live session. Free accounts have lower participant caps; Gimkit Pro raises the limit to the full 250.
Can a Gimkit host see individual student answers?
Yes. The host dashboard shows per-student accuracy, time spent, and earnings during and after a session. This data is also available in the post-game report under Assignments.
What is the difference between Classic and The Floor Is Lava in Gimkit?
Classic rewards correct answers with virtual currency at a steady rate. The Floor Is Lava shrinks earnings over time, so slower answering costs more — adding urgency that Classic does not have.
Do students need an account to join a Gimkit game?
No. Students only need the join code to enter a live session. Accounts are optional for students, though having one lets them track personal stats across multiple games.
