Getting students excited about learning isn’t always easy. Luckily, platforms like Gimkit have completely changed the game—literally. If you want to know how to host a Gimkit game that your students will look forward to, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to get started, from setting up your first game to making it a memorable classroom experience.
First, What Exactly is Gimkit?
If you’re new to it, Gimkit is an online game where students answer questions and earn virtual money. They can then spend their earnings on upgrades and power-ups during the game. It’s kind of like combining a quiz with a strategy game—and kids love it.
The best part? While they’re busy competing and buying upgrades, they’re also reviewing critical material without it feeling like traditional studying. Hosting a Gimkit session is a simple but powerful way to boost engagement and comprehension.
How to Host a Gimkit Game (Step-by-Step)
Setting up a Gimkit game doesn’t take long, but there are a few important steps to get it just right.
1. Create or Log Into Your Gimkit Account
First things first—head over to Gimkit.com. If you don’t already have an account, signing up only takes a few minutes. You’ll want a teacher account so you can create Kits and host games.
Pro tip: While the free version works well, upgrading to Gimkit Pro gives you access to more features and game modes. It’s worth considering if you plan to use it regularly.
2. Choose or Build a Kit
In Gimkit, a Kit is a set of questions around a topic. You have a few options here:
- Browse public Kits: Search the library to find Kits that match your subject.
- Create your Kit: Add custom questions tailored to your lesson.
- Import from Quizlet: Speed things up if you already have study sets.
When you build a Kit, you can choose between multiple-choice, text input, or even image-based questions. The more creative you get, the more fun your players will have!
3. Click “Host” and Pick Your Game Mode
Once your Kit is ready, click Host to set up a live game.
You’ll see several different modes to choose from, including:
- Classic Mode: Each student plays individually.
- Team Mode: Students work together and pool their money.
- Trust No One: A social deduction game that adds a twist of mystery.
If you’re just starting, Classic Mode is a safe and simple choice.
4. Customize Your Game Settings
Gimkit lets you fine-tune your session with settings like:
- Time Limit: Set how long the game should run.
- Starting Cash: Decide how much money players begin with.
- Power-ups: Enable or disable special advantages players can buy.
- Streak Bonuses: Reward students for getting multiple answers right in a row.
Adjusting these options lets you control the pace and difficulty of the session. A little tweaking here can make a huge difference in how the game feels.
5. Share the Game Code
Once you’re set up, Gimkit will generate a unique join code.
Players just need to:
- Go to gimkit.com/join
- Enter the code
- Choose a nickname
Within a minute, you’ll have a full classroom ready to compete.
You can project the join screen on a classroom board to make the process even faster.
6. Monitor the Game as It Happens
As the host, you’ll have a live dashboard showing you:
- How much money each player has earned
- Who’s leading
- How many questions have they answered?
Watching the live updates is fun, but it also gives you real-time insight into who’s mastering the material and who might need a little more help.
7. End the Game and Review the Results.
When the game is over, Gimkit provides detailed reports that break down:
- Individual performance
- Class averages
- Most-missed questions
You can use these insights to guide your next lesson or revisit any confusing concepts.
Top Tips to Make Hosting Gimkit Even Better
Keep Games Short and Sweet
Aim for sessions that last 10 to 15 minutes, especially for younger students. Quick games maintain energy and focus without dragging on.
Switch Up Game Modes
After a few rounds of Classic Mode, surprise your students with Trust No One or Team Mode. A little variety keeps things exciting.
Offer Fun Rewards
You don’t need to hand out prizes every time, but small rewards like homework passes or extra free time can seriously boost motivation.
Review Common Mistakes After the Game
Don’t just end the game and move on. Take a few minutes to discuss the toughest questions and reinforce the correct answers.
Common Hosting Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced teachers sometimes trip up. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Skipping customization: Every class is different—adjust settings to fit your group.
- Overloading Kits: 50+ questions sounds good, but it can overwhelm players.
Stick to 20–30 strong ones. - Starting too fast: Always explain the game rules to new players first.
Why Gimkit is a Must-Have Tool for Classrooms
Unlike some traditional review games, Gimkit:
- Keeps students fully engaged from start to finish.
- Teaches strategy skills like money management and risk assessment.
- Provides instant feedback to both players and hosts.
- Makes learning genuinely enjoyable, not just tolerable.
Hosting a Gimkit game turns any boring review session into a highlight of the school day.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Host Your First Gimkit?
Hosting a Gimkit session isn’t just about running a game—it’s about creating a dynamic, interactive environment where students can learn without even realizing it.
The best part? Once you host your first game, you’ll find it becomes second nature. Plus, your students will probably beg you to play again!
Take a few minutes to set up your account, build a Kit, and launch your first session. Trust me—you won’t want to teach review days any other way again.
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