Top Civs for Rapid Science Triumphs in Civilization VI

Civilization 6: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Fast Science Victory Leaders

Civilization 6 offers three paths to victory, but a swift Science victory can be surprisingly achievable with the right leader. While some civilizations excel at quickly progressing through the tech tree, these leaders stand out for their potential to dominate the scientific race. The key lies in understanding their unique abilities and strategically expanding your empire.

Seondeok - Korea: Harnessing the Power of Seowons

• Leader Ability (Hwarang): Governor promotions grant +3% Culture and Science per promotion to their assigned city.
• Civilization Ability (Three Kingdoms): Farms and Mines gain +1 Food and +1 Science respectively for each adjacent Seowon.
• Unique Units: Hwacha (Renaissance Ranged unit), Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts).

Seondeok's strength lies in maximizing Seowon output. Early expansion is crucial. Prioritize Governor promotions to boost Science and Culture. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles away from city centers, near Mines to leverage the Korean bonus. This approach ensures rapid technological advancement, leaving other civilizations in the dust.

Lady Six Sky - Maya: Observatory Optimization for Science Domination

• Leader Ability (Ix Mutal Ajaw): Cities within 6 tiles of the capital receive +10% to all Yields and a free Builder upon founding, but 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 when adjacent to an Observatory.
• Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient Ranged unit), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency bonus, +1 from Farms).

Lady Six Sky's ability demands a compact empire within a 6-tile radius of the capital. Focus on building Observatories near Plantations and Farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. This concentrated approach, combined with the free Builders, allows for rapid city development and scientific progress.

Peter - Russia: Trade Routes to Scientific Supremacy

• 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 Era), Lavra (Replaces Holy District, expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent).

Peter's versatility makes him a strong contender for a Science victory. His ability to gain Science and Culture through trade routes ensures consistent progress. Early expansion is key to securing advantageous trade routes with more advanced civilizations. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and developing harbors to maximize trade benefits.

Hammurabi - Babylon: Overcoming the -50% Science Penalty

• Leader Ability (Ninu Ilu Sirum): Building any District (except Government Plaza) grants a free lowest-cost building for that district and a free Envoy.
• Civilization Ability (Enuma Anu Enlil): Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies, but Science output is reduced by -50%.
• Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient Melee unit), Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing; +1 Food for adjacent Fresh Water tiles).

Hammurabi's -50% Science penalty might seem daunting, but rapid expansion mitigates this significantly. Prioritize triggering Eurekas to instantly unlock technologies. Focus on early city growth and economic development (Currency, Production) before heavily investing in Science buildings. By the Classical era, establish numerous cities with Campuses, utilizing the free building bonus to quickly gain a scientific edge.

By mastering the unique strengths of these leaders and strategically managing your empire, a quick Science victory in Civilization 6 is well within reach. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the game's circumstances and the actions of your opponents.