McKinsey Ecosystem Game (Retired): What Replaced It & Where to Focus in 2026
The Ecosystem Game (Ecosystem Building) has been retired by McKinsey and is no longer part of the Solve assessment. It has been replaced by the Sea Wolf Game and the Red Rock Study.
What Replaced the Ecosystem Game?
McKinsey Solve now uses two mini-games that test similar analytical skills in updated formats. Here's what you should prepare for instead:
🐺 Sea Wolf Game
An optimization game where you select the best combination of microbes to clean ocean sites under strict constraints. Tests quantitative reasoning and constraint-based problem solving.
Read the Sea Wolf Guide🪨 Red Rock Study
A research-style game where you interpret charts, tables, and a research journal to answer case-based questions. Tests data interpretation and analytical reasoning.
Read the Red Rock GuideRelated Resources
Current McKinsey Solve Format
Complete guide to the current McKinsey Solve assessment, including Sea Wolf and Red Rock Study.
Sea Wolf Game Guide
Deep dive into the Sea Wolf ocean-cleanup game and preparation strategies.
Red Rock Study Guide
Understand the Red Rock research game and how to prepare with our AI Simulator.
Sea Wolf Excel Solver
Get the AI-powered Sea Wolf Solver tool to optimize your McKinsey Solve score.
Sustainable Future Lab Guide
Explore McKinsey's newest behavioral game — sustainability trade-offs and stakeholder decisions.
MBB Assessments Compared
McKinsey Solve vs BCG Pymetrics vs Bain SOVA — formats, pass rates, and prep strategies.
McKinsey Solve AI Simulators
Practice all McKinsey Solve games with AI-powered simulators and real-time performance feedback.
Ecosystem Game FAQs
Common questions about the McKinsey Solve Ecosystem Game's deprecation.