ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to investigate relative effect of philic/phobic fraction and philic–phobic patterning on nanoscale condensation over a hybrid wetting surface through molecular dynamics simulations. A three-phase Argon–Platinum system has been considered, where the argon atoms are bounded by the two Platinum (Pt) surfaces. Initially a liquid argon layer is placed on the bottom Platinum surface and the rest of the simulation domain is filled with argon vapour. Following necessary equilibration, the temperature of the bottom surface is rised to induce evaporation, while that of the top surface with hybrid wetting characteristics is maintained at equilibration temperature to tempt condensation. Variation in hybrid wetting condition of the condensing wall is assumed by changing the relative percentage of philic/phobic portion and the size of philic–phobic pattern strip. It has been found that a higher amount of argon atoms is condensed in cases with higher hydrophilic contents. Also, for a fixed philic–phobic fraction, a smaller strip size of philic–phobic patterning results in faster condensation. Early-stage condensation, i.e. nucleation and subsequent condensate growth mode has been distinctive and related to the distribution of local liquid–vapour interfacial surface tension near the condensing wall for different hybrid wetting conditions.