Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Prep Materials for Mckinsey Solve Assessment

I have received an invitation for Solve, the McKinsey Game. Are there any prep materials which I can practice before I take the assessment. Please let me know.

Thanks.

6
1.7k
46
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Evelina
Coach
on Apr 15, 2025
EY-Parthenon (6 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS

Hi Rajesh,

Congrats on getting the Solve invitation!

When it comes to preparing for the McKinsey Solve assessment (also known as the Problem-Solving Game), the best approach is to focus on developing structured thinking, pattern recognition, and data interpretation. While McKinsey doesn’t release official practice material beyond the sample on their website, here are a few useful ways to prepare:
    1.    McKinsey’s Official Practice Game:
Make sure you complete the official sample game provided in the invite — it gives you a good feel for the mechanics, pacing, and interface.
    2.    Logical Reasoning & Cognitive Puzzles:
Practice with online logic games, pattern recognition puzzles, and numerical reasoning tests (similar to GMAT Integrated Reasoning or SHL-style assessments). These will sharpen the type of thinking Solve tests.
    3.    Ecosystem Simulation Prep:
Some of the Solve scenarios involve balancing ecosystems — try to familiarize yourself with basic resource management games and simulations that involve cause-and-effect decision-making.
    4.    Reddit & Prep Platforms:
Many candidates share their experiences and practice resources on forums like Reddit (e.g., r/consulting). 

Most importantly, approach the test calmly and focus on structured thinking rather than speed alone. Many candidates who prepare this way perform very well, even without formal “prep packs.”

Good luck with the assessment! Let me know if you’d like more help!

Best,

Evelina

on Apr 15, 2025
Thanks Evelina for the help. It gives a decent idea on approaching the Solve Game.
Anonymous A
on May 28, 2025
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely check out the official practice game to get a feel for it. I’ve been doing some logical reasoning puzzles already, but I’ll add resource management games to my prep list. Balancing ecosystems sounds tricky but fun!
My game is https://2player.co
on Apr 16, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Rajesh,

Q: Are there any prep materials which I can practice before I take the assessment

Yes, you can find courses and also full simulations of the games to practice in advance.

The current version of Solve (2025) includes three games:

  1. Ecosystem Management (35 minutes) - You need to find 8 species to build a food chain and the right location for them to survive
  2. Redrock Study (35 minutes) - You need to collect relevant information and answer questions based on the information provided about a natural environment
  3. Sea Wolf (30 minutes) - You need to select 3 microbes to cleanse the ocean in 3 different sites

If you want to prepare, you can find a course covering all the games at the link below (full disclosure, I am the author):

▶ McKinsey Solve Combo Guide

For any questions about the game please feel free to PM me.

Good luck!

Francesco

on Apr 17, 2025
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey, Ex-Coca-Cola Strategy |Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

Hi,

I think first decide on how well you need to prepare.

  • Are you someone who is good at these types of games? video games and such?
  • Are you good at working under pressure

If yes, then maybe you just need to go through the youtube simulations - these free videos are good to understand the gist and what is expected but won't capture the true complexity of the game.

These are some of the youtubes that some of my coachees have used and said were helpful:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B--hYDUgmE&t=409s - Found this one did not include how long and complex the names of the animals were. In the youtube the name of a fish could be "Black tuna" but in the actual Solve it could be "Dynamic Black Fin Activus Tuna) 

This one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hVER88E7ng explains Bedrock and Sea Wolf - I didn't use this (after my time), but my coachees said it they helpful in the gist and rules of the game. 

If no and you think you need a full blown game simualtion, then try some of the paid resources posted by coaches. I haven't had any coachees who have used them, but my understanding is that it should be a realistic simulation.

 

Good luck!!

Hagen
Coach
on May 24, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi Rajesh,

First of all, congratulations on the invitation from McKinsey!

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

  • I would advise you to familiarize yourself with the structure and logic behind the three games - Ecosystem Management, Redrock Study, and Sea Wolf. There is a lot of free information about all three games, and I do not think you will need any paid resources.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

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

Best,

Hagen

Alberto
Coach
on Apr 16, 2025
Ex-McKinsey AP | Training top candidates to perform at MBB level and win the offer

Check Francesco's materials. They are the best to prepare the Solve assessment.

on Apr 17, 2025
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | top MBB coach

Lots

Start with youtube where there are lots of examples of walkthroughs already.

If you want to play a simulation of the game, there are some available for purchase, including here ont he platform.

Best,
Cristian

Similar Questions
Consulting
McKinsey PEI
on Apr 02, 2025
Global
7
2.6k
Top answer by
Deleted user
58
7 Answers
2.6k Views
+4
Consulting
Preparing for McKinsey PEI
on Jul 10, 2024
Global
7
5.1k
Top answer by
Nilay
Coach
Former McKinsey Sr Engagement Manager | Trained McKinsey interviewer (100+ interviews, 500+ coaching sessions)
116
7 Answers
5.1k Views
+4
Consulting
McKinsey feedback call after rejection
on Jun 19, 2024
Global
7
3.1k
Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience
68
7 Answers
3.1k Views
+4