Civilization VI: Fastest Science Victory Civs, Ranked

Conquer Civ 6's Tech Tree: Leaders for Swift Science Victories

Civilization VI offers three victory paths, but a rapid Science victory can be surprisingly achievable with the right leader. While many civilizations excel at technological advancement, certain leaders offer unique advantages for outpacing opponents and securing a swift win. This guide highlights four such leaders, detailing their strengths and optimal strategies.

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• Seondeok - Korea
• Lady Six Sky - Maya
• Peter - Russia
• Hammurabi - Babylon

Seondeok - Korea

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

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

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

Seondeok's strategy centers around maximizing Seowon placement and Governor promotions. Early expansion is key, utilizing Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to rapidly establish cities. Prioritize Civics unlocking Governor titles for the significant Science and Culture boosts. Strategically position Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines to leverage Korea's unique ability. This aggressive expansion and efficient Seowon placement will ensure a significant Science advantage.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw: Cities within 6 tiles of the capital gain +10% to all yields and 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 Luxury Resource adjacent to the city center. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production adjacent to an Observatory.

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

Lady Six Sky's strength lies in concentrated city development. Focus on establishing five or six cities within a 6-tile radius of your capital, utilizing the free Builders provided by her ability. Place Observatories strategically near Plantations or Farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. This clustered approach, while limiting expansion, provides a powerful Science boost from the Observatories and improved yields within the central area.

Peter - Russia

Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy: Trade routes with other civilizations grant +1 Science and +1 Culture for every 3 Technologies or Civics they possess beyond Russia's level.

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

Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial Era), Lavra (Holy District replacement).

Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in various victory types. For a Science victory, leverage his extra founding tiles for aggressive early expansion, focusing on forward settling. Build Campuses near mountains and prioritize trade routes, enhancing them with Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture gains from technologically advanced civilizations. While not solely focused on Science, Peter's diplomatic advantages and strong early game can easily lead to a Science victory.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: Building any District (except Government Plaza) grants the cheapest building for that district for free, plus a free Envoy.

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).

Hammurabi's strategy counters Babylon's -50% Science penalty through rapid expansion. Prioritize triggering Eurekas by engaging in diverse activities early on, focusing less on initial Science production. Aim for approximately six cities by the Classical Era, then leverage the free buildings to establish powerful Campuses. Utilize Spies to acquire more Eureka opportunities from advanced civilizations. While early focus is on triggering Eurekas and expanding, later game should shift to focusing on science buildings to catch up and surpass other civilizations.

By mastering these leaders' unique abilities and adapting strategies to their strengths, players can significantly increase their chances of achieving a quick and decisive Science victory in Civilization VI.