Science Domination: Ranking Civs for Rapid Victory

Civ 6: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Leaders for Speedy Science Victories

Civilization VI offers three victory paths, but a swift Science victory can be surprisingly achievable with the right leader. While many civilizations excel at technological advancement, these leaders offer unique advantages for outpacing the competition and securing a rapid Science victory. Remember, strategic empire expansion and maximizing science bonuses are key.

Seondeok - Korea

Leader Ability: Hwarang: Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their city.

Civilization Ability: Three Kingdoms: Farms and Mines gain +1 Food and +1 Science respectively for each adjacent Seowon.

Unique Units: Hwacha (Renaissance), Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts)

Seondeok's strength lies in the Seowon. Focus on early expansion using Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to maximize science production. Prioritize Civics unlocking Governor titles for significant Science and Culture boosts. Strategically position Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, leveraging Korea's bonus to maximize output. Rapid early expansion and optimal Seowon placement are crucial for maintaining a technological lead.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw: Cities within 6 tiles of the capital gain +10% to all yields and receive a free Builder upon founding; cities beyond 6 tiles suffer -15% yields.

Civilization Ability: Mayab: No housing from fresh water or coastal cities; gain +1 Amenity per adjacent luxury resource. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production adjacent to Observatories.

Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farms)

Lady Six Sky's ability encourages a clustered empire. Utilize Magnus' promotion for rapid early expansion, keeping cities within the 6-tile radius. Place Observatories near resources requiring Plantations or Farms to exploit adjacency bonuses. Maintaining this compact empire maximizes yields and facilitates a quick Science victory.

Peter - Russia

Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy: Trade routes with more advanced civilizations grant +1 Science and +1 Culture for every 3 Technologies or Civics they possess.

Civilization Ability: Mother Russia: +5 extra founding tiles; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production; units are immune to blizzards; warring civilizations suffer double penalties in Russian territory.

Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial), Lavra (Holy District replacement, expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent)

While Peter excels in Culture and Religious victories, his strong economy and expansive starting tiles make a Science victory feasible. Early aggressive expansion is key, leveraging the extra founding tiles. Focus on maximizing trade routes, particularly with technologically advanced civilizations, and enhance trading capabilities through Currency Exchange and Harbors.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: Receive the cheapest building for free when constructing any district (except Government Plaza); gain a free Envoy when building other districts.

Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil: Eurekas instantly unlock technologies, but Science output is reduced by 50%.

Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient), Palgum (+2 Production, +1 Housing, +1 Food for adjacent fresh water)

Babylon's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and strategic Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on Production, Currency, and city growth. Use Spies to accelerate Eureka progress. Delay Campus construction until later, utilizing the free lowest-tier building to maximize Science gains. By the Middle Ages, you should have sufficient gold to purchase secondary Campus buildings, compensating for the Science penalty and ultimately surpassing other civilizations.

These strategies emphasize rapid expansion, strategic district placement, and maximizing unique leader and civilization abilities to achieve a fast Science victory in Civilization VI. Remember to adapt your approach based on the game's circumstances and your opponents' strategies.