How to Host Gimkit: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Teachers to Run Fun Classroom Games

Host Gimkit is one of the most searched topics among teachers who want to make their lessons more fun and exciting. Gimkit is a game show-style platform built for the classroom that brings together knowledge, teamwork, and strategy. Instead of a regular quiz, students earn virtual money for every correct answer, buy power-ups, and compete in real time. The result? A classroom full of focused, motivated learners. If you are a teacher who wants to get started with hosting Gimkit games, this guide will walk you through everything from setting up your account to running your first live game.

What Is a Gimkit Host?

A Gimkit host is the person who starts, controls, and manages a live Gimkit game session. This is usually a teacher or instructor. As the host, you choose the quiz set (called a “Kit”), set the rules, pick a game mode, and invite students to join using a unique game code.

The real power of Gimkit rests in the hands of its host. You are both the architect and the conductor. You do not just start a game by sharing a code — you design the whole learning experience. That means choosing the right game mode, setting the right options, and keeping students engaged from start to finish.

How to Create Your Gimkit Account

Getting started with Gimkit is simple and free. Go to gimkit.com/signup and sign up using either Google or your email. Choose “Educator” as your account type and finish the setup process.

Every new educator account starts with a 14-day free trial of Gimkit Pro before the account moves to the Basic free plan. No credit card is required to start the trial. This gives you plenty of time to explore all the features before deciding if you want to upgrade.

How to Build a Kit (Your Question Set)

After signing in, open your dashboard. You will see three sections: My Kits, Assignments, and Classes. Click “New Kit,” add a title, choose a language, and set the subject. 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.

Gimkit also launched an AI Question Generator in August 2025. It can produce 10 to 30 questions per topic and works for grade levels ranging from Pre-K all the way to University. This is a great time-saver for busy teachers who want to build a quiz quickly without starting from zero.

How to Host a Live Gimkit Game (Step by Step)

To host a kit from your dashboard, click the green “Play Live” button to the right of any of your kits. You will then see the Mode Picker, where you can browse and select the game mode you want to use. Once you select a mode, it will be outlined in yellow. Click the big “Continue” button in the upper right corner to move to the game options screen.

Students visit Gimkit.com/join and enter your game code to join. You can also click the game code to copy a direct link to your game and share it with your students. When you are ready to start, click “Start Game.” Once you click it, you and your students will be taken into the game.

Choosing the Right Game Mode

Gimkit offers a variety of game modes such as Fishtopia, Tag: Domination, and Snowbrawl. Each mode has different gameplay mechanics, so the right choice depends on your lesson goals. For example, Classic mode is great for a simple review session, while 2D modes like Snowbrawl add movement and map-based gameplay that students absolutely love.

Gimkit Basic (the free plan) gives you access to featured game modes that rotate regularly. Gimkit Pro gives you unrestricted access to all game modes, called “Pro Exclusives”. Pro also unlocks Assignments, which let you assign kits as homework so students can play on their own time. Pro also allows you to upload images and add audio to your questions.

Managing the Game as a Host

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, which is useful for younger students or mixed-ability groups.

In non-2D modes, you will have a leaderboard screen you can display to the room. In 2D modes, your screen will show wherever you are on the map if you joined as a player, or over a player if you joined as a spectator. You can add time to the game in one-minute increments during play, up to a maximum of 59 minutes.

Reviewing Results After the Game

Click “View Report” right after your session ends. These reports give you three ways to look at results. They are a great way to find knowledge gaps and shape future lessons. You can save all reports as PDFs and find them later in your dashboard’s Reports section.

Using this data smartly helps you understand which topics need more classroom time. You can also use the reports to give students personal feedback, which makes learning feel more intentional and less like just a game.

Free Plan vs. Gimkit Pro

Gimkit Basic is a strong free version. You can play featured game modes with as many students as you want, set up classes, and collect reports. It is everything you need to play Gimkit as much as you want, for as long as you need.

Gimkit Pro costs $14.99 per month or $59.88 per year, which works out to about $4.99 per month on the annual plan. Pro removes all game mode restrictions, so Pro Exclusive modes are no longer capped at five players. If you host games regularly and want access to every mode, the annual plan offers the best value.

Tips to Make Your Gimkit Sessions Better

Here are a few simple tips to help you run smooth, exciting games every time:

• Test your kit before the live game by using solo or practice mode first.
• Keep questions clear and matched to your students’ grade level.
• Display the leaderboard on a classroom screen to build energy and healthy competition.
• For new teachers, start small with around 10 students to learn the flow before hosting a full class.
• Ask students for feedback after each session to improve your next game.

Conclusion

Hosting a Gimkit game is one of the easiest and most effective ways to turn a regular review session into something students actually look forward to. From setting up your account to picking game modes and reading post-game reports, the whole process is simple and beginner-friendly. Start with the free plan, explore a few game modes, and watch the energy in your classroom change completely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it free to host a Gimkit game?

Yes. Gimkit Basic is free for educators and lets you host live games with unlimited students, set up classes, and collect reports.

Q2. How do students join a Gimkit game?

Students visit Gimkit.com/join and enter the game code you share with them. You can also share a direct link by clicking on the game code.

Q3. How many students can join a Gimkit game?

You can host up to 500 students in standard modes and up to 60 players in most 2D modes.

Q4. Can I host a Gimkit game for remote or online students?

Yes! Share the join code through Zoom or Teams, and students can play from anywhere.

Q5. What is the difference between Gimkit Basic and Gimkit Pro?

Basic rotates three free game modes at a time. Gimkit Pro removes all those restrictions every game mode is available with no player cap, and Pro Exclusive modes are no longer subject to rotation.

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