How Does McKinsey Solve Game Work? Strategies for Success in the Problem Solving Game

The McKinsey Solve Game, also known as the Problem Solving Game (PSG), Digital Assessment, or informally as the "Imbellus Game," is a gamified assessment developed by Imbellus for McKinsey & Company. Within McKinsey's hiring process, the Solve Game serves as a screening test, positioned between the application and the case interviews. Like the traditional Problem-Solving Test, its main objective is to identify suitable candidates and streamline the resource-intensive case interview phase, optimizing both time and resources in the recruitment process. Let’s dive into how this problem-solving game works and explore strategies to excel in this crucial part of the selection process.

What is McKinsey Solve Game?  

The McKinsey Solve Game is a problem-solving assessment designed to evaluate candidates' analytical and critical thinking abilities. The McKinsey Solve game consists of 2 games. While there are three potential game types (Ecosystem Building, Redrock Study, and Plant Defense), you will only encounter two of these in any given assessment. Summer 2023 onwards, you get Ecosystem Building and Redrock Study in the test.

The McKinsey Solve Game tests candidates in three key areas: constrained optimization, data interpretation with numerical reasoning, and understanding cause versus effect. Each game takes about 35 minutes, with a total time limit of 71 minutes, not including tutorials. 

Ecosystem Building Game 

Objective: Construct a balanced ecosystem with 8 species, ensuring food chain continuity and calorie surplus.

Ecosystem Building Game Steps 

Step 1: Location Selection 

• Begin by noting down the terrain specifications and calorie data for producers using a spreadsheet or scratch paper. Focus on the variables that change, like elevation or water clarity, while ignoring constants that could be distractions. 

• Calculate the total calories provided by producers for each location. Choose the location where the calorie provision is highest, making it easier to build a stable food chain. 

Step 2: Food Chain Building 

• List consumers with terrain requirements matching your location. Start the food chain with an apex predator that requires the least calories. 

• Build the chain from top predators down to the base species like plants or corals.

• Prioritize species offering high calorie provision and low-calorie needs, ensuring a surplus. 

• If necessary, fill gaps by adding more predators or herbivores to meet the 8-species requirement. 

Step 3: Sanity Check 

• Confirm each species aligns with the chosen terrain specifications and the food chain is continuous. 

• Ensure every species has enough calories to survive and isn't over-consumed by predators. 

• Adjust as needed to maintain a balanced, thriving ecosystem. 

Redrock Study 

• Objective: The primary goal is to assess objectives, analyze data, extract insights, and present findings through data visualization to address a business challenge.

  
  

Red Rock Study Game Steps 

Part 1: Study 

• Phase 1: Investigation: Read the case to identify main objectives. Collect important data points by dragging them into the Research Journal. Label and annotate these points for clarity.

  
  

• Phase 2: Analysis: Use the Research Journal data to answer three quantitative questions using the calculator. Record all answers for later use.

  
  

• Phase 3: Report: Complete written and visual reports with calculated data, selecting the appropriate graph type to visualize results. 

  
  

Part 2: Cases 

• Solve 10 Cases: Sequentially solve 6 cases related to the same topic as Part 1 but not directly connected to it. Each case requires basic quantitative and reasoning skills to answer.

  
  

• Question Types: The cases will include various question types: word problems, formulas, verbal reasoning, and data visualization tasks.

  
  

Scoring Criteria 

Your performance is evaluated based on two primary metrics: 

• Product Score: Measures your success in completing the game’s tasks and scenarios.

• Process Score: Assesses the strategy and consistency of your approach, tracked through mouse movements and decision-making.

  
  

Tip: To maximize your process score, ensure all calculations are performed within the game’s system, following a methodical and well-documented approach.

What is the Plant Defense Game? 

The Plant Defense Game is a tower defense strategy game with a 36-minute time limit. The objective is to protect a plant at the center of a grid map from waves of invading pests.

Game Structure 

• Map Layout: The game consists of a grid map sized between 10x10 and 12x12 squares, featuring natural obstacles known as Terrain Transformations. 

• Duration: Players navigate through three maps, each with a recommended time of 12 minutes. 

• Phases: Each map has a planning phase, followed by a fast-forward phase. 

  
  

How the Game Works 

• Planning Phase: Strategize over three waves, each consisting of five turns, to set up defenses against invaders. New invaders appear every 3-5 turns, and your goal is to repel them before they reach the plant. 

• Fast-Forward Phase: After the 15th turn, all remaining invaders continue their attack. Your defenses are locked, and invaders persist until the base is destroyed. 

  
  

Key Elements 

Base: The plant represents your base, which you must protect to score points. The longer it survives, the higher your score. 

Invaders: There are two types of invaders, each slowed by specific terrains. They follow the shortest path to the plant. 

Terrains: 

• Forest and Rocky: Slow different types of invaders. 

• Cliff: Completely blocks all invaders. 

  
  

Defenders: 

• Attack and eliminate invaders. 

• Vary in damage and range. 

• Can be placed on the ground or trees, depending on the type. 

  
  

Challenges and Strategies 

Challenges: 

• Dealing with limited information and unpredictable events. 

• Balance between immediate survival and long-term defense. 

Strategies:

• Layered Defense: Build multiple layers of defenses starting close to the plant and expanding outward. 

• Resource Placement: Position your strongest defenders near the plant and expand with longer-range resources. 

• Adaptation: After 15 turns, adapt your strategy based on invader patterns. 

• Balanced Defense: Distribute resources wisely to cover multiple directions and ensure balanced protection. 

  
  

How to Prepare? 

When preparing for the McKinsey Solve Game, finding the right resources is essential. Casebasix is an excellent source to help you understand how the game works. The online platform provides free access to simulations, including the Plant Defense, Ecosystem Building, and Red Rock Study game, along with detailed guides. You can practice as much as you want for a limited time.