How to Ace the McKinsey Red Rock Game

Last Updated on April 16, 2026

McKinsey Solve’s Red Rock Simulation game is now a core component of the Problem Solving Game lineup. It evaluates candidates’ skills in data collection, processing, and interpretation, and numerical and verbal reasoning.

The McKinsey Problem Solving Game challenges candidates to apply these skills in simulated environments, making it a central element of the assessment process for prospective consultants.

An introduction to the McKinsey Red Rock game

The McKinsey Red Rock game is a research-focused assessment that measures candidates’ ability to structure unfamiliar problems, interpret complex datasets, and derive evidence-based conclusions under time pressure. It serves as the modern successor to the former Problem Solving Test and represents McKinsey’s return to a data-driven reasoning assessment within the Solve environment.

Unlike earlier Solve games that placed candidates more game-like settings, Red Rock situates challenges in a scientific research context. No prior business knowledge is required. The game is designed to isolate core problem-solving skills independent of domain expertise, ensuring candidates from all academic and professional backgrounds compete on equal footing.

Despite its updated format, the underlying skillset tested remains consistent with the former PST. Where the PST once asked candidates to project a company’s financial performance, Red Rock may instead require forecasting population dynamics of a species based on experimental data. The context has changed, but the cognitive demands remain identical.

Rollout of the McKinsey Red Rock game

The Red Rock game was first introduced in late summer 2022 in a limited pilot phase. Broader rollout began in 2023, initially paired with the Ecosystem game. By 2024, McKinsey standardized the sequence globally. Every candidate we have spoken to since then has encountered Red Rock as the first game, followed by the Sea Wolf game, confirming that it is now a permanent and universal component of the Solve assessment. Candidates also face the new Sustainable Future Lab in the Solve.

We have adjusted our guide to include strategies for the Red Rock game and also created practice games for you that replicate the actual game accurately. For more information on our Solve Game Guide and Simulations, see below.

Exploring the Tasks Within the McKinsey Red Rock Game

Curious about how McKinsey evaluates consultants through gaming?

The Red Rock Game provides insights into their innovative approach.

The game is divided into two main sections.

The first is the Study Section, which involves a three-phase process: the investigation phase, the analysis phase, and the report phase.

The second is the Case Section, consisting of 6 individual mini-cases.

Both sections are set in an environmental context, usually dealing with an animal population of a certain kind.

The Red Rock Study Section

The Red Rock Study Section consists of three stages:

The Investigation Stage

In the initial investigation phase of the Red Rock Study game, candidates are introduced to a research scenario with defined objectives and a large volume of supporting material. Information is presented through text excerpts, charts, and data tables, creating a realistic research environment that mirrors how consultants and analysts encounter unstructured information in practice. The primary objective in this phase is to identify and extract relevant evidence for the Research Journal.

Success in this stage depends on disciplined information filtering.

Candidates must distinguish meaningful data from background noise, resist distractions, and avoid being misled by irrelevant or superficially convincing details. At the same time, precision matters. Units, timeframes, and measurement definitions often determine whether an interpretation is correct or flawed.

Both high-level insights and granular details should be systematically captured in the Research Journal using the game’s drag-and-drop interface. Within the journal, information can be organized and key data points flagged with an exclamation marker to highlight critical evidence for later analysis.

Special attention should be given to anomalies in the dataset.

For example, a single animal displaying behavior or characteristics that differ from the rest of the sample may signal an underlying mechanism central to the research question. Identifying such outliers is often decisive for reaching the correct conclusion.

The Analysis Stage

Following the investigation phase of the Red Rock Study game, candidates move into the analysis stage.

Here, they are presented with a series of quantitative questions, typically three to five, sometimes with additional sub-questions. This phase tests candidates’ ability to translate collected evidence into structured calculations and defensible numerical conclusions.

Players work with an on-screen calculator to perform their analyses. Data points can be dragged directly from the Research Journal into the calculator to construct formulas, execute computations, and then transfer results back into the designated answer fields. These documented findings become the foundation for the final report in the concluding stage of the game.

Performance in this phase is shaped by two distinct challenges.

The first is technical. The calculator and drag-and-drop interface can be slow to respond and occasionally unreliable, adding friction to otherwise straightforward analytical work. Many candidates report that inputs do not always register cleanly, which increases the risk of execution errors under time pressure.

The second challenge is cognitive. The required calculations are rarely plug-and-play. Candidates must rapidly determine the correct formulas, combine multiple data sources, and maintain accuracy while working against the clock.

This combination of interface friction and analytical complexity makes the analysis stage one of the most demanding parts of the Red Rock Study game.

A number of candidates have escalated technical issues to McKinsey’s support desk during or after their assessment. In some cases, second attempts have been granted. In others, Red Rock results were reportedly excluded from the overall evaluation due to documented interface problems. Feedback from our clients consistently highlights this phase as the area where both technical stability and targeted preparation make the greatest difference.

Based on the data from the chart above, what is the percentage change in the average stopover duration of all species between 2018 and 2022? The answer is -11.76%.

A typical question in the Red Rock game

The Report Stage

In the final phase of the Red Rock Study game, candidates are required to produce a structured research report that combines written conclusions with visual data representation. This stage tests a core consulting skill: the ability to synthesize complex analysis into clear, persuasive communication.

The written component is completed through a guided text template with predefined blanks. Provided the prior investigation and analysis were executed correctly, this task is straightforward. Candidates must translate their recorded findings into concise, precise statements that summarize key insights and directly answer the research objectives. Accuracy matters. The strongest reports reflect a clean chain of logic from collected evidence to final conclusions, typically drawn directly from the Research Journal.

The visual component focuses on selecting the most effective chart to present the data. Candidates choose between common formats such as line charts, bar charts, and pie charts, depending on whether they need to illustrate trends, comparisons, or proportional relationships. This step evaluates whether candidates understand not only the data itself but also how to communicate it efficiently. A well-chosen chart can reinforce the written argument and make the conclusion immediately intuitive to the reader. Candidates then need to populate the chart with the correct data points.

The concluding report phase of the Red Rock Study game therefore brings together the full skillset tested throughout Solve: structured thinking, quantitative reasoning, and executive-level communication. It is less about discovering new insights and more about presenting existing findings with clarity and coherence.

Interface of the Red Rock Study game

The Red Rock Study game uses a structured three-panel interface designed to support efficient navigation, data handling, and task execution across all stages of the assessment. Each section of the screen has a distinct functional role that mirrors a real analytical workflow.

Navigation panel (left)

The navigation panel serves as the control center of the game. It allows candidates to move between the Investigation, Analysis, and Report stages within the Study section, as well as access the mini-case questions in the Case section. This panel provides constant orientation and enables quick switching between stages when reviewing data or verifying prior findings.

Data and tools (center)

The central workspace displays the relevant data and tools for each phase of the game, adapting dynamically to the task at hand.

In the Investigation stage, candidates interact with scenario information, including research objectives, written excerpts, charts, and tables. The focus is on understanding the context and identifying data relevant to the research question.

In the Analysis stage, the workspace presents numerical problem prompts and activates the on-screen calculator. Candidates construct calculations by dragging data from the Research Journal into the calculator, executing formulas, and transferring results back into answer fields.

In the Report stage, the workspace shifts to report-building mode. Candidates complete structured text inputs and select appropriate data visualizations to communicate their conclusions effectively.

Research Journal (right)

The Research Journal functions as the central evidence repository throughout the game. Candidates store relevant data by dragging items from the workspace into the Journal, where information can be organized and flagged for importance. Stored entries remain accessible across all stages, supporting calculations in the Analysis phase and forming the evidence base for the final report.

Together, these three interface elements create a controlled, research-style environment that guides candidates through collecting evidence, performing analysis, and delivering a structured conclusion under time constraints.

The Red Rock Case section: the second challenge in the assessment

In early 2023, McKinsey expanded the Red Rock Study assessment by introducing an additional Case section. This update added a new layer of difficulty to the Solve experience by incorporating a set of mini-cases that test rapid quantitative reasoning under tight time constraints.

The Case section consists of six short, data-driven mini-cases. Each presents a self-contained scenario with its own charts, tables, and contextual information. While thematically linked to the broader research environment of the Study game, each mini-case introduces fresh data that must be interpreted independently.

This structure increases cognitive load and places greater emphasis on prioritization and pacing.

Time management and increased complexity

A key change accompanying this update is the consolidated time limit. Candidates must now complete both the Red Rock Study game and the Case section within a total time allocation of 35 minutes. This significantly raises the difficulty of the assessment. Candidates are required to switch efficiently between deep analysis and rapid-fire problem solving, leaving little margin for hesitation or rework.

Feedback from test-takers consistently identifies time pressure as one of the most demanding aspects of the updated format.

Analytical demands of the mini-cases

The mini-cases are designed to test high-speed quantitative reasoning. Candidates extract information from pie charts, bar graphs, line charts, and short text passages, then construct and execute precise calculations to arrive at correct answers. The underlying skillset mirrors that of the Study section, but with tighter information packages and faster decision cycles. Success depends on quickly identifying relevant data, setting up the right equations, and maintaining accuracy under pressure.

This Case section completes the Red Rock assessment by combining structured research-style analysis with rapid quantitative execution, reflecting the dual demands placed on consultants in real project environments.

Preparing for the Updated McKinsey Red Rock Game

Following the introduction of Red Rock, we updated our McKinsey Solve Game Guide to fully reflect the new assessment format and added realistic, playable simulations that replicate the actual game environment. The revised guide provides targeted strategies for each stage of the Red Rock Study game, practical time management techniques, and structured approaches to data interpretation and quantitative reasoning. It is designed to help candidates prepare not just for what the game tests, but for how it tests.

The integration of the Red Rock simulation represents a return to a more comprehensive reasoning-based assessment, similar in spirit to McKinsey’s earlier Problem Solving Test and aligned with evaluation practices across other top consulting firms. While this shift increases the complexity of the Solve assessment, it also makes preparation more transferable. Candidates now train skills that extend beyond the game itself and directly support later case interview performance.

As a result, the most effective preparation focuses on strengthening data interpretation, numerical agility, and structured reasoning under time pressure. Working through realistic simulations, targeted drills, and selected case exercises builds these capabilities efficiently. This dual-purpose approach not only increases your chances of excelling in the Red Rock Study game, but also accelerates your progress toward case interview mastery.

Tips for approaching the McKinsey Red Rock Study game

Effective time management

Time management is decisive in the Red Rock Study game. With a consolidated time limit of approximately 35 minutes covering both the Study section and the Case section, every minute must be used intentionally. Strong performers treat time as a fixed resource to be allocated upfront rather than managed reactively.

A frequent pitfall is misunderstanding the game timer. The clock at the top of the screen applies to the entire assessment, including the Investigation, Analysis, and Report stages as well as the mini-case questions. There is no separate timer for individual sections. If you overspend time early, you directly reduce the time available for the mini-cases later.

Practical tip: Before starting, commit to a rough internal schedule and check the timer at predefined milestones rather than continuously, e.g., being done with the Study section between 15 and 20 minutes to leave sufficient time for the Case section. Constant timer-watching increases cognitive load and reduces accuracy.

Stay anchored to the objectives

In the Investigation stage, success depends on ruthless filtering. Only data linked to the stated research objectives will later feed calculations and conclusions. Exploring interesting but irrelevant data consumes time without improving your score.

Practical tip: Read the objective first, then treat every piece of incoming data as a yes-or-no decision: “Does this help answer the objective?” “Is this relevant in the context of the objective?” If not, ignore it.

Maintain execution discipline in analysis

Analytical accuracy is non-negotiable. Errors typically arise not from complex math, but from skipped units, mismatched timeframes, or partial data integration. Rechecking critical calculations is worth the time investment.

Practical tip: Before completing a calculation on-screen, perform a quick sanity check. Use your own calculator before using the on-screen one. Ask whether the result is directionally reasonable and in line with the context of the questions. This catches mistakes such as unit mismatches quickly and also before they are recorded by the software.

Work forward, not backward

The Red Rock Study game is designed to reward a structured, forward-moving workflow. Strong candidates complete each stage thoroughly before progressing to the next. In practice, this means ensuring that all relevant data is collected and correctly recorded in the Research Journal before entering the Analysis stage. While it is technically possible to return to the Investigation stage later, doing so repeatedly consumes time and can disrupt workflow rhythm.

Practical tip: Treat stage transitions as commitment points. Before leaving Investigation, confirm that you have captured every data point tied to the research objective. This minimizes backtracking and supports a clean execution process.

Understand what outcomes they expect

Many Red Rock questions follow predictable analytical patterns. Common tasks include calculating growth between defined time periods, comparing proportional changes across segments, or identifying the most significant driver behind a trend. Candidates who recognize these recurring question types move faster and structure their data collection and calculations more efficiently.

Practical tip: Before diving into numbers, clarify what the question is truly asking. For example, if the task is to determine population growth between year one and year five, immediately frame the calculation path before interacting with the calculator. Knowing the expected outcome format in advance reduces unnecessary trial-and-error in data collection and execution.

Prepare data before executing calculations

The game implicitly evaluates process discipline in addition to final answers. Candidates who assemble all required data first and only then begin calculations tend to perform faster, make fewer errors, and maintain clearer logic chains. Jumping into the calculator prematurely often leads to fragmented work, re-checking of inputs, and unnecessary returns to earlier stages.

Practical tip: Pause briefly before starting any calculation and verify that all necessary inputs are already in your Research Journal. This small investment prevents costly interruptions during the Analysis stage and preserves time for the Case section later.

Keep the Research Journal organized

The Research Journal is more than a storage tool. It is your working evidence base throughout the Red Rock Study game. Candidates who maintain a clean, structured Journal move faster in the Analysis stage and produce clearer final reports.

Organize entries logically, add short descriptive labels where appropriate, and flag critical data points for quick access. Highlighting key figures and relationships reduces search time later and lowers the risk of overlooking essential inputs during calculations.

Practical tip: Treat the Research Journal as you would a consultant’s working scratchpad. A well-organized Journal not only accelerates analysis and report writing, but also signals disciplined process execution, which is an implicit dimension of the assessment.

Anticipate interface friction

The Red Rock interface can be slower than expected, particularly drag-and-drop into the calculator or Research Journal. Hesitation or repeated mis-clicks can quietly drain time.

Practical tip: Drag deliberately rather than quickly. Rushed movements often fail to register and require repetition. Calm, precise inputs are faster in practice.

Build data interpretation fluency

The Red Rock Study game relies heavily on extracting meaning from charts, tables, and short text passages. Comfort with line charts, bar charts, stacked graphs, and proportional data reduces cognitive strain under time pressure.

Practical tip: When reading any chart, first identify the axes, units, and timeframe. Only then interpret the trend or comparison. This prevents common misreads.

Develop quantitative reflexes

Many calculations involve combining multiple data points across exhibits. The math itself is not advanced, but speed and formula setup matter.

Practical tip: Practice mental structuring of formulas before touching the calculator. Candidates who think through equation setup first make fewer calculator errors and work faster overall.

Treat Red Rock as case-interview training

The hypothesis-driven reasoning, evidence collection, and concise synthesis required in Red Rock directly mirror later case interview expectations. Approaching the game as a consulting exercise rather than a test improves both performance and mindset.

Beat the McKinsey Red Rock Game

The original and most comprehensive guide from former McKinsey consultants with

89% pass rate in the Solve Game*

Your benefit

• Crack every game: Proprietary guide and video insights detailing the exact steps and strategies used by successful candidates
• Score high: Tailored tactics and gameplay walkthroughs based on real test-taker feedback
• Prepare efficiently: Focus on what matters most and avoid wasted preparation time with proven methods to master all required skills
• Interview-ready bonus: Includes a free 14-page McKinsey Interview Primer with essential guidance for case and PEI preparation

*Based on customer feedback from January to March 2026
Latest update: April 2026

Our Credentials

• 9,000+ candidates supported from more than 70 countries since November 2019
• 600+ test-taker interviews informing continuous refinement, combined with expert game designer input and firsthand McKinsey experience
• Complete preparation suite including fully playable game simulations, a 142-page strategy guide, automated Excel tools for Ecosystem Creation, and a video course covering gameplay and winning strategies
• 100% proprietary content

Click on the image below to learn more about our Solve Game Guide and Simulation.

McKinsey Solve Game Guide 24th Edition

SALE: $169 / $99

FAQ for the McKinsey Red Rock Study Game

Navigating the McKinsey Red Rock Study Game is a complex process for most candidates. This FAQ section is designed to provide concise answers to some of the most common questions about the game, its structure, and preparation strategies.

What skills does the McKinsey Red Rock Study Game assess?
The game evaluates data collection, processing, case math, numerical reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills.

How is the Red Rock Study game different from the original PST?
Unlike the PST, which was set in a business context, the Red Rock Study game focuses on research and problem-solving in various scenarios, requiring no prior business knowledge. Yet, the analytical challenges are the same

Can candidates from non-business backgrounds excel in the Red Rock Study game?
Yes, candidates from all backgrounds can excel, as the game assesses general problem-solving skills over specific business knowledge. If you are familiar with quantitative and logical reasoning exercises found in standardized aptitude tests like the GMAT you are at an advantage, however.

What are the main challenges candidates face in the Red Rock Study game?
Candidates often struggle with time management, navigating the interface, and performing complex calculations under time constraints.

How can candidates effectively manage their time during the Red Rock Study game, and what should you do if you get stuck?
Prioritize tasks, practice under timed conditions, and if stuck, move on to questions you can answer to maximize your score. Set a strict time limit for each question to avoid running out of time as so many candidates do.

Are there any technical issues to be aware of when playing the Red Rock Study game?
Yes, candidates have reported bugs and interface lag, particularly with the on-screen calculator and drag-and-drop functionality. Reach out to tech support if you have suffered from any issues to get a second chance.

How does the Red Rock Study game interface work?
The interface includes a navigation panel for accessing different game stages, tools for data analysis and report compilation, and a research journal for organizing data.

What is the best way to prepare for the Red Rock Study game?
Practice with our game simulations to improve your problem-solving and time-management skills, and familiarize yourself with various data representation forms, and common calculations found in the game. Review tips and strategies from professional preparation guides.

How does the addition of the mini-case section affect the game’s complexity?
The mini-case section increases the assessment’s complexity by adding more quantitative reasoning questions.

Can skills developed for the Red Rock Study game help in case interview preparation?
Yes, the problem-solving, data analysis, and numerical reasoning skills are directly applicable to case interviews, offering valuable practice for these critical consulting interview components.