Thales (UK) 2025 All Roles Applied GBA Walkthrough

AP Helper
Aug 1
3 min read

The GBA (Game-Based Assessment) features eight main question categories: Sequence, Energy, Direction, Team, Ticket, Preparation, Expression, and Security. Based on thorough practice and analysis, we’ve developed a detailed guide that includes all question types and the most effective strategies for answering them.

Is a Higher Score Always Better?

Although the GBA is administered as an online assessment, scoring high doesn’t automatically secure progression to the Video Interview (VI) stage. The true objective of the GBA is to assess whether your personality and characteristics align with the company’s culture and the specific demands of the role—not merely to evaluate your gaming abilities.

1. Sequence

Game Rules

This section tests memory. A 3x5 matrix displays stamps in a random order and location. After the demonstration, you must recall and press the patterns in the correct sequence. In the second round, additional distracting elements are introduced, requiring you to ignore them, which increases the difficulty.

How to answer

Using external tools is not recommended, as it may trigger cheating detection. Achieving 20 correct answers is extremely challenging (and nearly impossible without aids), so aiming for at least 10 correct responses is reasonable.

If you still prefer using aids, you can prepare multiple 3x5 grids on paper beforehand, marking the sequence for each question. However, the transition between questions is rapid, and managing additional tools may become overwhelming.

2. Energy

Game Rules

You must click four switches, each offering varying power gains (positive or negative). The goal is to maximize power collection over 100 clicks.

How to answer

Quickly find switch A1 to ensure maximum power.
Differentiate between Class A and Class B switches in the first 4 clicks. Click each set of 4 switches once, don't worry if there are negative results. Class A typically has a maximum power limit of 50, while Class B usually goes up to 100 but with less stable power.
Distribution of the four switches: A1: +50, +25/0/-25; A2: +50/-200; B1: +100/-50/-100/-150/-200/-250; B2: +100/-1150.
On the 5th click, choose between A1 and A2 within Class A. If the net power value (sum of positive and negative values) is still 50 → A2, click A2 three more times (total of 4 clicks); if the net value is other than 50 → A1, then click A2 three more times consecutively (total of 4 clicks). Allocate all remaining clicks to A1 thereafter.

3. Direction

Game Rules

This section tests reflexes. You must press Q for left and P for right based on the center arrow’s direction. Two distractions may appear:

If dashes (-) surround the arrow, still respond to its direction.
If X marks appear, do not press anything—this is automatically correct.

How to answer

React swiftly but accurately. Keep your focus on the center arrow while briefly scanning the surroundings. Avoid pressing anything when X marks are present..

4. Team

Game Rules

There are 12 rounds in total, and each round of the game requires you to choose between 2 options: high price and low price. You need to play the price game with the opposing team (AI). There are a total of 4 possibilities for each round after the permutations are made:
Both the player and the AI bid the low price and each gets 50 points;
The player bids high and the AI bids low, and the AI scores 300 points;
The player makes a low bid, the AI makes a high bid, and the player scores 300 points;
The player and the AI both bid high and each gets 200 points.

How to answer

Bidding low is generally more advantageous. A simple yet effective strategy is to bid high in the first round and low in the remaining 11, typically yielding a stable score between 2000 and 2400.