The McKinsey Solve assessment (formerly the Problem Solving Game or PSG) is a gamified online evaluation that tests data analysis, pattern recognition, and systems thinking. In the 2026 recruiting cycle, McKinsey introduced significant changes to the assessment format, including updated simulation scenarios and revised scoring dimensions.
If you are targeting McKinsey in 2026, the Solve assessment is almost certainly your first hurdle. We analyzed 50+ industry reports and candidate debriefs from the current recruiting cycle to map out exactly what changed, what stayed the same, and how to adjust your preparation. This guide reflects findings from the DrillCase research team as of June 2026.
What Is the McKinsey Solve Assessment?
McKinsey Solve is a gamified online assessment that replaces the traditional pen-and-paper Problem Solving Test (PST). Instead of multiple-choice business questions, Solve uses interactive simulations that measure how you think — not what you know. The assessment runs in your web browser and takes approximately 60-70 minutes to complete.
The assessment evaluates candidates on cognitive abilities that McKinsey considers predictive of consulting success: critical thinking, decision making under uncertainty, situational awareness, and quantitative reasoning. Unlike the BCG Casey assessment, which tests case-specific skills, McKinsey Solve is closer to a cognitive aptitude test wrapped in game-like scenarios.
DrillCase tracks format changes across all major consulting firm assessments. Our McKinsey case interview simulator helps you build the analytical thinking patterns tested in Solve, while our chart interpretation drills develop the data fluency the assessment demands.
What Changed in 2026
McKinsey updates Solve regularly, and the 2026 recruiting cycle brought several notable changes. Based on candidate debriefs from fall 2025 through spring 2026 recruiting, here is what we have confirmed:
| Dimension | Previous Format | 2026 Format |
|---|---|---|
| Primary simulations | Ecosystem Game + Redrock (beta) | Ecosystem Game + Redrock (fully integrated) |
| Redrock status | Pilot in select offices | Standard component globally |
| Scoring dimensions | 5 cognitive dimensions | Revised to emphasize decision quality under time pressure |
| Time allocation | ~60 minutes | ~60-70 minutes (Redrock adds time) |
| Ecosystem complexity | Standard food chain | Expanded with new species and environmental variables |
| Interface | Web-based | Web-based (minor UI updates) |
Redrock Simulation Breakdown
The Redrock simulation presents you with a geological scenario where you must analyze rock formations, identify mineral deposits, and make extraction recommendations under constraints. This is not testing geology knowledge — it is testing your ability to process visual data, identify patterns, and make decisions with incomplete information.
What Redrock Tests
- Pattern recognition: Identifying repeating structures across visual data sets.
- Spatial reasoning: Understanding how 2D representations map to 3D structures.
- Decision making under uncertainty: Choosing extraction points with imperfect geological data.
- Time management: Balancing thoroughness with speed across multiple scenarios.
Strategies for Redrock
Candidates who scored highest on Redrock reported using systematic scanning patterns rather than intuitive visual inspection. Start from one corner, scan horizontally, identify recurring patterns, then map anomalies. Do not spend more than 60% of allocated time on analysis — reserve 40% for decisions and submission.
Ecosystem Simulation Guide
The Ecosystem Game remains the core Solve simulation. You are presented with an ecological system — typically a food chain with 8-12 species — and must select species to create a sustainable ecosystem within environmental constraints.
2026 Updates to Ecosystem
The 2026 version expands the species pool and introduces new environmental variables (seasonal variation, habitat fragmentation) that create more complex interdependencies. The core logic remains the same: build a balanced food chain. But the increased variables mean that brute-force trial and error is less viable than in previous versions.
Approach Framework
- Map the food chain first: Before placing any species, identify producer-consumer relationships across all options.
- Check environmental constraints: Some species require specific terrain, temperature, or rainfall conditions that limit placement.
- Balance energy flow: Ensure each trophic level has sufficient energy input from the level below. Over-stacking predators leads to collapse.
- Test stability: A sustainable ecosystem should survive the full simulation period. If species go extinct mid-simulation, you have a balance issue.
How to Prepare
McKinsey Solve tests cognitive abilities that are built over weeks and months, not crammed in a weekend. Our recommended preparation timeline:
| Week | Focus | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Foundation | Daily chart interpretation practice, pattern recognition exercises, mental math drills |
| 3-4 | Simulation practice | Ecosystem-style logic puzzles, spatial reasoning exercises, timed decision scenarios |
| 5-6 | Full integration | Complete practice assessments under timed conditions, review errors systematically |
While DrillCase does not currently offer a direct Solve simulation (McKinsey's gamified format makes exact replication impractical), our McKinsey case interview simulator develops the analytical thinking patterns that Solve evaluates. The AI interviewer scores you on 5 dimensions — Structure, Quant Accuracy, Judgement, Communication, and Synthesis — which overlap significantly with Solve's scoring criteria.
Supplement with chart interpretation practice for data fluency and mental math drills for quantitative speed. DrillCase updates all preparation materials quarterly based on the latest recruiting cycle debriefs.
Build the analytical skills McKinsey Solve demands.
Explore McKinsey Solve PracticeFrequently Asked Questions
Is McKinsey Solve the same as the Problem Solving Game?
Yes. McKinsey Solve is the current name for what was previously called the Problem Solving Game (PSG) or McKinsey Digital Assessment. McKinsey rebranded the assessment but the core format — gamified simulations testing data analysis, pattern recognition, and systems thinking — remains the foundation. The 2026 version includes updated scenarios and revised scoring dimensions.
How long is the McKinsey Solve assessment?
The McKinsey Solve assessment takes approximately 60-70 minutes to complete. It consists of multiple mini-games, each with its own time limit. The two primary simulations — the Ecosystem Game and the Redrock Scenario — each take roughly 25-35 minutes. Candidates also encounter shorter supplementary exercises depending on the office and role.
What is the pass rate for McKinsey Solve?
McKinsey does not publish official pass rates, but industry estimates from candidate debriefs suggest approximately 30-40% of candidates advance past the Solve assessment. The pass rate varies by office, role level, and recruiting cycle. The assessment is designed to be challenging — it tests cognitive abilities that are difficult to improve through short-term cramming, which is why early, structured preparation matters.
Related Assessment Prep
McKinsey Case Interview Simulator
Practice with 50+ McKinsey-style cases using our voice AI interviewer. Scored on 5 dimensions matching real McKinsey evaluation criteria.
Chart Interpretation Practice
Build the data interpretation skills tested in McKinsey Solve's exhibit-heavy questions.
Market Sizing Practice
Structured frameworks for the estimation questions that appear across McKinsey assessment formats.