Civilization VI: Fastest Science Victory Civs, Ranked

Civilization VI: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Speedy Science Victory Leaders

Civilization VI offers three victory paths, but a swift Science victory can be surprisingly achievable with the right leader. While some civilizations excel at rapid technological advancement, these leaders stand out for their potential to dominate the tech tree and secure a quick win. This guide highlights four leaders uniquely suited for fast Science victories, outlining their strengths and optimal strategies.

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

Seondeok - Korea

Seowons and Governor Promotions: The Key to Korean Scientific Supremacy

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

Korea's Civ Ability: Three Kingdoms: Farms gain +1 Food and Mines gain +1 Science 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 the synergy between her Leader ability and Korea's unique Seowon district. Prioritize Governor promotions to maximize the Science bonus. Strategic Seowon placement is crucial; position them away from other districts to avoid the science penalty, ideally near Mines for additional boosts. Early expansion is key to maximizing the number of Seowons and thus, scientific output.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Observatory Adjacency: Maximizing Scientific Yield

Lady Six Sky's 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.

Maya Civ 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, +1 from Farms)

Lady Six Sky's ability encourages a compact empire. Focus on establishing several cities within the 6-tile radius of your capital. Maximize Observatory adjacency bonuses by placing them near Farms and Plantations. This concentrated approach ensures high yields and rapid technological progress.

Peter - Russia

Trade Route Domination: A Science Engine

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

Russia's Civ Ability: Mother Russia: Gain 5 extra tiles when founding a city; 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)

While Peter is versatile, his Science victory potential hinges on leveraging his trade routes. Early expansion is vital to establishing numerous trade connections. Focus on developing harbors and utilizing Currency Exchange to maximize trade route profits and scientific gains.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Overcoming the Science Penalty Through Expansion and Eurekas

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

Babylon's Civ 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)

Hammurabi's -50% Science penalty is offset by his ability to rapidly expand and trigger Eurekas. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, even if it means diverting resources from pure Science production. Rapid city expansion mitigates the Science penalty, and Hamurabi's free buildings accelerate development. By the mid-game, the technological advantage gained from Eurekas will outweigh the initial Science deficit.

By mastering these strategies, you can leverage the unique strengths of these leaders to achieve a rapid Science victory in Civilization VI. Remember that strategic city placement, efficient resource management, and a keen eye on technological advancements are key to success.