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Mckinsey Solve Game Timing Inquiry

Hello,

I received a McKinsey game invite, and it says "approximately 95 minutes". Which games can I get? Red Rock, Seawolf, and Sustainability together make up 85 minutes, so I'm confused about the extra 10 minutes. The instruction times are listed separately in the email. Please clarify whether someone has experienced a fourth game or if McKinsey has stretched the time of one of the games.

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Franco
Coach
on Aug 24, 2026
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate

Hi,

That is indeed unusual. Typically, the invitation indicates either 65 or 85 minutes, depending on whether the Sustainable Futures Lab assessment is included. I am not aware of any additional assessment that could take up the remaining 10 minutes.

My best guess is that they added a ten-minute buffer for transitions between the different assessments, so that you reserve enough time in your calendar. 

Best,
Franco

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Ian
Coach
on Aug 25, 2026
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

The best thing you can do is prepare for ALL the games and come in flexible.

Go through the best online simulation tests so that you have practised the current formats properly. There might be a fourth new game. Great! It will be new for everyone, and it gives you another opportunity to showcase your problem solving skills.

Do not burn energy trying to reverse engineer the 95 minute window. Prepare for everything you know, then be ready to adapt to anything you do not.

Message me if you want a discount code for the top McKinsey Imbellus simulations.

Good luck!

Profile picture of Hagen
Hagen
Coach
on Aug 24, 2026
Globally top-ranked MBB coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from McKinsey!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • Contrary to what other coaches have said, the indication of 95 minutes is standard. You will have to solve the three games you mentioend (Redrock Island, The Sea Wolf, Sustainable Futures Lab).

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey Solve pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

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Alessa
Coach
on Aug 25, 2026
10% off 1st session in August | Ex-McKinsey | Ex-BCG | Ex-Roland Berger

hey there :)

The “approximately 95 minutes” usually includes the time for instructions, transitions and setup, not necessarily another game. So I wouldn’t assume you’ll get a fourth game just because the three games themselves add up to around 85 minutes.

If your email explicitly lists Red Rock, Seawolf and Sustainable Futures Lab, I’d prepare for those three and treat the additional time as buffer. McKinsey can also slightly adjust timings between versions of the assessment.

If you want, feel free to reach out and I can also help you prepare specifically for the three games. Best, Alessa :)

Anonymous B
on Aug 25, 2026

Hi,

I just finished Solve for today (Middle East). I wouldn't worry about another game, in my email it said 85min plus preparation 20min.

Which position did you apply for?

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Anonymous C
6 hrs ago

Did you receive an additional game or it was the usual package? (i.e., Redrock, Seawold and sustainable futures lab)

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