Gimkit is a fun learning website that turns practice questions into exciting games. Starting a live game is one of the best ways to get students excited to learn.
Whether you are new to the site or want easy ways to manage your class, this guide shows you how to start a live game, share game codes, help students join, and pick the best settings for your lesson.
What Is Gimkit Host?
A Gimkit host is the person who sets up and runs a live game. Most of the time, the host is a teacher.
When you are the host, you pick the questions, choose the game style, and start the game from your computer screen. Students play as players. They join on their own devices, answer questions, and earn game money or power-ups.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| GIMKIT HOST |
| - Picks the Kit (Question Set) |
| - Chooses the Game Style |
| - Shows Game Code & QR Code on screen |
| - Controls settings & starts the game |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
|
v
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
| PLAYING STUDENTS |
| - Go to gimkit.com/join or scan the QR code |
| - Type the Game Code & Nickname |
| - Answer questions and play live on their own devices |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------+
Important terms to know:
- Kits: The sets of study questions you use for the game.
- Game Modes: The style of gameplay, like Classic mode or 2D world games like Fishtopia.
- The Lobby: The waiting screen where players gather before you hit start.
- Game Code: A short temporary code that lets students enter your live game.
Hosting a live game is different from giving an Assignment. A live game happens right now with everyone playing together. An Assignment lets students answer questions on their own time.
How to Host a Live Game in Gimkit
Here is the quick five-step process to host a live game:
- Log in to your account and pick a Kit.
- Pick a game style from the Mode Picker.
- Change your settings for time limits, goals, and nicknames.
- Show the join code or QR code on your class screen.
- Check the lobby and click Start.
Step 1 — Sign In and Choose a Kit
Log in to your account on Gimkit. Your main screen shows all your Kits.
Look through your list and click the Kit you want to use for your lesson. If you do not have a Kit ready, you can make a new set of questions or copy a public Kit made by another teacher.
Step 2 — Select a Game Mode
After picking a Kit, click the green Play Live button. This opens the Mode Picker.
Gimkit offers different game styles ranging from simple quiz games to interactive 2D world games. Pick the style that best fits your class time and lesson goals. Keep in mind that available game styles can change depending on whether you use a free account or Gimkit Pro.
Step 3 — Configure Game Settings
Once you pick a mode, click Continue to go to the settings screen. Here, you can change how your game works:
- Game Goal: Set a time limit (like 10 minutes) or a money goal (like reaching $1,000 in game cash).
- Starting Cash: Pick how much game money players start with.
- Handicap & Power-Ups: Turn power-ups and special items on or off.
- Late Joining: Allow students who join late to enter the active game.
- Nicknames: Require real names or use safe names made by the game automatically.
Always check these choices before starting so your game runs smoothly.
Step 4 — Share the Game Code, QR Code, or Join Link
Click the Continue or Host button to open the game lobby. The screen will display a big join code, a QR code, and a web link.
- In-person classes: Project the QR code and join code on your board so students can scan or type it quickly.
- Remote classes: Copy the join link and share it directly in your online class chat.
Make sure students go to the official joining page at [gimkit.com/join](https://gimkit.com/join) if they type the code manually.
Step 5 — Check the Lobby and Start the Game
As students join, their names appear in the lobby on your screen. Take a moment to make sure every student joined with a proper name. Once everyone is ready in the lobby, click the Start Game button to begin playing live.
How Do Students Join a Gimkit Host Game?
Students can join your live game using four main ways. The table below compares how each way works:
| Joining Way | Best For | How Students Get In |
| Game Code | Fast entry on any web browser | Go to [gimkit.com/join](https://gimkit.com/join) and type the 4 to 6 digit code |
| QR Code | In-person classes using tablets or phones | Point a device camera at the projected screen |
| Join Link | Online learning or digital work | Click the shared web link from a chat or doc |
| Gimkit Classes | Saved class lists with logged-in accounts | Open Gimkit while signed in to see the join button |
Join With a Game Code
This is the standard way to join. Tell students to open a browser and go to [www.gimkit.com/join](https://www.gimkit.com/join).
Students type the game code shown on your screen into the box and press enter. Next, they type their name or get a fun random name based on your host settings.
Join With a QR Code or Link
If students use devices with cameras, display the QR code on your projector. Students can scan the screen with their camera to open the game right away.
If you share a direct link, students can click it to skip typing the code completely. Remember that scanning a QR code from a teacher’s screen requires two separate devices: one screen showing the code and one student device scanning it.
Join Through Gimkit Classes
If you set up class lists in Gimkit, logged-in students do not need to type a code.
When you start a game for their class, a message pops up on their screen asking them to join. This keeps outside players out and makes sure student scores are saved correctly.
Which Gimkit Host Settings Should Teachers Choose?
Picking the right settings stops class interruptions and keeps students focused on learning.
Late Joining and Classroom Control
By default, Late Joining is turned on. This lets students enter the game even if they log in after you hit start.
If you want to stop late entry or keep uninvited guests out, you can turn Late Joining off in settings. If an unwanted player enters your lobby, hover over their name and click it to kick them out before starting.
Nicknames and Student Participation
To stop inappropriate names in class, change the Nicknames setting to Smart Nicknames or Gimkit Names.
- Smart Nicknames: Blocks bad language and flags bad names automatically.
- Gimkit Names: Gives random, fun character names to every student automatically.
Using auto-made names saves time in the lobby and protects student privacy.
Game Goals, Time Limits, and Power-Ups
Match your host settings to your lesson plan. Here is a recommended setup for a standard 30-minute practice session:
Recommended 30-Minute Class Setup:
- Game Mode: Classic or Fishtopia
- Time Limit: 10 to 15 minutes (leaves time to talk about questions after the game)
- Late Joining: Turned On (helps students with slow internet join late)
- Nicknames: Gimkit Names or Smart Nicknames
- Starting Cash: $10 (gives players a quick start)
- Power-Ups: Turned On (keeps the game fun)
Which Gimkit Game Mode Should You Host?
Different game modes change how students play with your questions. Some modes focus on fast answering, while others let students build virtual worlds or work as a team.
Picking the right mode keeps students interested and matches your lesson goals. Remember that some special modes require a paid account plan.
| Game Mode | General Play Style | Best Class Use | How to Get It |
| Classic | Fast answering to earn money and buy upgrades | Quick reviews and word practice | Works on free and paid plans |
| Fishtopia | Catching fish, gathering items, and selling them in a 2D world | Longer reward games and fun play | Check current plan rules for seasonal modes |
| Boss Battle | Team play to defeat a shared enemy | Group review and team work | May need a Pro account |
| Infinity | Endless play with special power upgrades | Longer practice at your own speed | Depends on your account plan |
Note: Mode names and features can change. Always check your main Gimkit library before class to see which modes are currently ready on your account.
Can You Host Gimkit for Free?
Yes, you can host games without paying any money. However, a free account has limits compared to a paid account like Gimkit Pro.
A free account lets you host live games, make simple question sets, and use basic game modes. A paid account unlocks unlimited edits, extra game modes, deeper score reports, and self-paced assignments.
| Feature | Free Plan | Gimkit Pro |
| Live Hosting | Yes (with normal limits) | Yes (unlimited hosting) |
| Game Modes | Access to Classic and rotating free modes | Access to all active game modes |
| Assignments | Limited choices | Fully supported |
| Custom Audio & Images | Basic choices | Full custom uploads |
Can You Host Gimkit Remotely or on a Phone?
You do not need a real classroom to run a game. You can easily host games for online students using video call software.
Start your game like normal and share your computer screen on your video call so students can see the lobby code. Students join from their own devices by typing the code into their browsers.
Online Setup Example:
A teacher shares their screen over Zoom or Google Meet. The teacher’s screen shows the live join code. Students open a new browser tab on their home devices, go to the join page, and type the code to play from home.
If you teach online, avoid using QR codes. QR codes work best when students can physically walk up to a board in the same room. For computer-based learning, sending a direct join link in your chat window is much faster.
Gimkit Live Game vs. Assignment: What Is the Difference?
It is easy to mix up live hosting and assignments, but they do different things.
A live game happens right now. You start the game, show the code, and everyone plays together at the same time.
An assignment is self-paced work. You set a question set and a due date, and students finish the work on their own time.
| Feature | Live Game | Assignment |
| Playing Together | Everyone plays at the same time | Students complete work on their own |
| Timing | Real-time classroom session | Self-paced before a due date |
| Teacher Help | Teacher watches and runs the game | Teacher checks final scores later |
| How to Join | Game code, QR code, or direct link | Student account login or work link |
| Plan Needed | Works on free and paid plans | Usually needs a Pro account |
How to Manage a Gimkit Game While It Is Live
Once the game begins, you can control how it runs right from your main screen.
What Can the Host Control During Gameplay?
Your host screen gives you tools to manage the game. You can pause the game, check scoreboards, and end the game early if class time runs out.
Some game modes have extra host controls, like starting special game events or changing how often items drop. Keep in mind that you cannot change core game settings, like your Kit or time goals, after you press start.
What Should You Do When Students Join Late?
If you left late joining turned on, late students can jump into the game after it starts.
Set a clear class rule for late arrivals. For example, tell students that if they join late, they must enter quietly without bothering others. If late joining is turned off, late students must wait for the next game.
How Do You End a Game and Review Results?
When time runs out, the game ends on its own. You can also click the end button manually whenever you want.
When the game finishes, Gimkit shows the top players on a winner stand and gives a full score summary. Look at this report to see which questions were hard for students so you can review them in your next lesson.
How to Fix Common Gimkit Host and Join Problems
Even with good planning, tech problems can happen. Use this table to fix quick issues:
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Try |
| Host code is not working | The game timed out or lost connection | Refresh your screen and make a new code |
| Students cannot find the join page | Spelled the web address wrong | Tell students to go to [gimkit.com/join](https://gimkit.com/join) |
| Code entered wrong | Typo in the 4 to 6 digit code | Have the student clear the box and re-type carefully |
| Students cannot join after start | Late joining is turned off in settings | End the round, turn on late joining, and restart |
| QR code will not scan | Screen is dark or camera angle is bad | Turn up projector brightness or type the code manually |
| Game does not start | Waiting for host to press start | Check that all players are in, then click green Start |
| Slow game or lagging | Weak school Wi-Fi or too many open tabs | Refresh the browser tab or try another device |
| Name or Class error | Signed into the wrong student account | Sign out, check login info, and join from the class banner |
Gimkit Host Best Practices Before, During, and After Class
A smooth game session comes from good habits. Follow this easy checklist to keep your game running without stress:
Teacher Game Checklist:
- Before Class: Test your Kit questions, pick your game style, and set your time limits.
- During Class: Show the join code clearly, explain the rules, and watch the lobby names.
- After Class: Check the final report to find hard topics and congratulate student winners.
Remember to help students with special needs. If a student has trouble seeing or using a device, move them closer to the main board or pair them up with a helper classmate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gimkit Host
Do I need an account to host a Gimkit game?
Yes. You must sign in to a teacher account to pick a Kit, choose a game mode, and make a live host code.
Can students join Gimkit without creating an account?
Yes. For live games, students only need a game code and a nickname. They do not need to make their own accounts.
Can I host a Gimkit game for free?
Yes. Free accounts can host live games using standard game modes and question sets.
Can students join after the game starts?
Only if you turn on the late joining setting before starting the game. If late joining is turned off, students must join while in the waiting lobby.
How do I create a Gimkit host code?
Pick a Kit, choose a game mode, and click continue. The game code is made automatically when the waiting lobby opens.
Can I change the game settings after starting?
No. You must set your time limits, goals, and rules in the settings menu before clicking the start button.
How many players can join a Gimkit game?
Player limits depend on your account type. Free plans have player limits, while paid Pro accounts allow larger class sizes.
Can I host Gimkit from home?
Yes. You can host games remotely by sharing your screen over a video call while students join from their devices at home.
How do I stop disruptive players from joining?
Turn on smart nicknames to block bad words, or hover over an unwanted name in the lobby and click to kick them out before starting.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Gimkit features, settings, and plans may change over time, so check the official website for the latest details. Some images may be AI-generated for illustration. All copyrights and trademarks belong to their respective owners. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Gimkit.
Victor Rennard is a multi-niche writer for BaddieHubMagazine.com, creating clear and engaging articles across lifestyle, trends, tech, entertainment, and general guides. With a simple, helpful writing style, Victor aims to give readers quick insights and reliable information on topics that matter.
