Gimkit Info: The Ultimate Guide to Game Modes

Educators are constantly searching for innovative tools to make learning more engaging and effective. One platform that has gained significant traction is Gimkit, a game show-style learning tool that transforms traditional review sessions into exciting competitions. Created by a high school student, Gimkit understands the student perspective, blending education with the mechanics of popular video games. This guide will provide all the Gimkit info you need, focusing on its diverse and captivating game modes.

We will explore what makes Gimkit a powerful addition to any classroom toolkit. You will learn about the core mechanics that drive student motivation and discover the unique features of each game mode. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to select the right mode for your learning objectives and how to maximize its impact on your students.

What is Gimkit?

Gimkit is an online quiz-based learning platform where students answer questions to earn in-game currency. This currency can then be used to purchase power-ups and upgrades, adding a layer of strategy to the learning process. Unlike more traditional quiz tools, Gimkit emphasizes student-led progression and strategic thinking, not just correct answers.

The platform was designed to make learning feel like a game. Students compete individually or in teams to reach a goal, whether it’s accumulating the most cash or being the last one standing. This competitive yet fun environment encourages active participation and knowledge retention. Teachers can create their own question sets, called “Kits,” or browse a vast library of user-generated content, making it adaptable for any subject or grade level.

Understanding Core Gimkit Mechanics

Before diving into the specific game modes, it’s essential to understand the fundamental elements that make Gimkit work. These mechanics are present in most game modes and are key to its appeal.

• Questions and Answers: At its heart, Gimkit is a quiz tool. Students answer multiple-choice questions created by the teacher.
• In-Game Currency: Correct answers earn students virtual cash. The amount earned can increase with streaks of correct answers.
• Shop and Upgrades: This is where Gimkit’s strategic depth comes in. Students can use their earnings to visit the in-game shop and buy upgrades. These might include increasing the money earned per question, multiplying their earnings for a short period, or purchasing power-ups that can affect other players.
• Power-Ups: Power-ups add an interactive and sometimes mischievous element to the game. Students can buy abilities that might freeze another player’s screen for a few seconds or reduce their balance, fostering a dynamic and competitive atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into Gimkit Game Modes

Gimkit offers a rich variety of game modes, each with its own rules, objectives, and classroom benefits. Choosing the right mode depends on your lesson goals, class size, and desired level of competition.

Classic

Classic mode is the original Gimkit experience. It’s a fast-paced, all-play game where every student competes individually to earn the most money within a set time limit or until a cash goal is reached.

• How it Works: Students answer questions continuously to earn money. They can use this money at any time to buy upgrades and power-ups from the shop. The game ends when the timer runs out or a student reaches the pre-determined cash goal.
• Unique Features: This mode is purely about individual achievement and strategy. Students must balance answering questions with shopping for the best upgrades to maximize their earnings.
• Benefits: Classic mode is excellent for high-energy review sessions. It encourages quick thinking and rewards both knowledge and strategic planning.

Team Mode

Team Mode builds on the Classic experience but adds a collaborative twist. Students are divided into teams and work together to reach a collective cash goal.

• How it Works: All earnings from individual team members contribute to the team’s total score. The first team to reach the cash goal wins. The shop and power-ups are still available, allowing for team-based strategies.
• Unique Features: Communication and collaboration are key. Teams can strategize on who should focus on earning and who should invest in powerful upgrades that benefit the entire group.
• Benefits: This mode is perfect for fostering teamwork and communication skills. It allows students who may be less confident to contribute to a group effort and share in the success.

The Floor is Lava

This thrilling mode injects a sense of urgency and survival into the review session. Students must answer questions to earn money and stay above a rising tide of lava.

• How it Works: The game screen is divided into multiple platforms. To move to a higher, safer platform, students must spend the money they’ve earned by answering questions. The lava rises at a steady pace, and any student who can’t afford to move up is eliminated. The last student (or team) standing wins.
• Unique Features: The primary goal shifts from wealth accumulation to survival. Every dollar counts, and the pressure is always on.
• Benefits: “The Floor is Lava” is fantastic for keeping students on their toes. It encourages focus and quick decision-making under pressure, making for an incredibly memorable learning experience.

Humans vs. Zombies

A fan-favorite, this mode pits a team of humans against a growing horde of zombies in a battle for survival. It’s a team-based game with a dramatic narrative.

• How it Works: A few students start as “zombies,” while the rest are “humans.” Humans answer questions to earn energy, which they use to purchase shields and other protections. Zombies answer questions to gain powers that allow them to “tag” humans, turning them into zombies. The game ends when all humans are turned or when the humans survive for a set amount of time.
• Unique Features: The roles are asymmetrical, creating a unique dynamic. Humans play defensively, while zombies are on the offense. The tension builds as the zombie team grows larger and more powerful.
• Benefits: This mode excels at promoting strategic thinking and teamwork. Humans must work together to protect each other, while zombies must coordinate their attacks. It’s a highly engaging mode for reviewing content over a longer class period.

Trust No One

Inspired by popular social deduction games like Among Us, “Trust No One” challenges students to complete tasks while trying to identify the impostors in their midst.

• How it Works: Students are assigned the role of either a Crewmate or an Impostor. Crewmates answer questions to earn power and complete investigations. Impostors also answer questions but use their power to sabotage the crew’s efforts. Periodically, players can call meetings to discuss who they think the impostors are and vote someone out. The Crewmates win by voting out all Impostors or completing their investigation goal; the Impostors win by outnumbering the Crewmates.
• Unique Features: This mode is less about speed and more about deduction, communication, and deception. Answering questions correctly is still important, but social skills play a huge role.
• Benefits: “Trust No One” is an incredible tool for developing critical thinking and communication skills. Students must articulate their suspicions and defend themselves, all while applying their subject knowledge.

Tips for Maximizing Gimkit in Your Classroom

To get the most out of Gimkit, it’s not enough to just pick a game mode and press play. Thoughtful implementation can significantly enhance the learning outcomes.

1. Align Mode with Objective: Choose a game mode that supports your lesson’s goal. For a quick knowledge check, Classic is great. For fostering teamwork, use Team Mode or Humans vs. Zombies. For a lesson on critical thinking, “Trust No One” is unparalleled.
2. Curate High-Quality Kits: The quality of your questions is paramount. Ensure your Kits are accurate, challenging, and directly aligned with your curriculum. Don’t be afraid to use the search function to find and adapt Kits created by other educators.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Before starting a game, explain the rules and objectives clearly. This is especially important for more complex modes like “Trust No One.” A few minutes of explanation can prevent confusion and ensure the game runs smoothly.
4. Debrief After the Game: The learning doesn’t stop when the game ends. Take time to review difficult questions and discuss the strategies students used. This reinforces the content and allows students to reflect on their learning process.
5. Use it for More Than Review: While Gimkit is a fantastic review tool, it can also be used to introduce new topics. Create a Kit with questions that encourage students to make educated guesses, then use the results to guide your instruction.

Gimkit offers a dynamic and powerful way to engage students, turning what could be a monotonous review into an exciting and strategic challenge. By understanding the nuances of each game mode and implementing the platform thoughtfully, you can unlock a new level of participation and learning in your classroom.