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McKinsey Solve Game- A Brief Question

Hi,
1. For the McKinsey Solve Game- Plant Defense Game, will we be given info on which defender or barrier would be effective for each predator in advance?
Or Do we have to observe which defender or barrier is suitable for which invader by testing it?

2. If Yes, will we be given the amount of effect the defender or barrier has against the predator Eg. number of species of the predator that can be killed?

Thank you.

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Feb 04, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

So the defenders are the “towers” - they attack equally (doesn't matter the predator). But yes, you are told the area of damage, amount of damage, etc.

The barrier does indeed change for the predator and, again, you will be told.

It has nothing to do with # of species the defender can kill. It's about health and damage.

I highly recommend you do more research on this game as you are thinking about the game quite wrong! Francesco has a great simulation as do some other firms.

on Feb 04, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) For the McKinsey Solve Game- Plant Defense Game, will we be given info on which defender or barrier would be effective for each predator in advance? Or do we have to observe which defender or barrier is suitable for which invader by testing it?

You will know in advance the invaders delayed by each barrier and the amount of damage inflicted by each defender.

2) If Yes, will we be given the amount of effect the defender or barrier has against the predator Eg. number of species of the predator that can be killed?

Yes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

If you want to learn more, I created a video simulation of the game at the link below including the following:

  • 15 videos showing how to crack the Ecosystem Game in 23 minutes (instead of the recommended 35) and resist 25+ turns in the Plant Defense (instead of the minimum target of 15)
  • Automated Excel with Formulas to build a food chain in the Ecosystem game in 16 minutes
  • PDF guide with all 6 games (including the Redrock Study) and how to crack each of them

You can get instant access to the video simulation at the following link:

▶ McKinsey PSG Solve Video Simulation

For any other questions please feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

Francesco 

Anonymous A
on Feb 04, 2023
Hi Francesco, Do they pop up as the details given or do we have to click on the invaders in the map to know which defenders and barriers that are effective or suitable against them?
on Feb 04, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, you will have to click on the relevant element (barrier, defender or invader) to see the information. Hope this helps, Francesco
Anonymous A
on Feb 04, 2023
Hi Francesco, Clicking either or the barrier or defender
Or
Clicking the predator only works right?
As it is the same either of the two ways right?
So to minimize the number of clicks and back and forth, just click on the invader to find out which barriers or defenders are effective against that invader will do right?
on Feb 04, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, it depends on the info you want. Please feel free to PM me if you have more questions, happy to reply there. Best, Francesco
Hagen
Coach
on Feb 04, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • Yes, you need to hover over the barriers using the mouse to determine which attackers will be delayed for one round.
  • Defenders, on the other hand, do not differentiate between the attackers, they attack any within range. However, when the ranges of defenders overlap, you can hover over the tiles with the mouse to see the total damage inflicted.

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

Best,

Hagen

Anonymous A
on Feb 04, 2023
Hi Hagen, is it better to avoid overlapping of the squares for maximum impact or overlapping will double the attack on the invader?
Hagen
Coach
on Feb 04, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
You would want to overlap damage in order to create a „kill zone“.
Florian
Coach
on Feb 06, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

  1. Yes, that information is given as the game analyzes how you process information and use it to build the most effective strategies.
  2. Yes (see above why). You actually need to do some quick math with every turn to make sure the invaders are depleted before reaching the plant.

Cheers,

Florian

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