Civilization VI: Fastest Science Victory Civs, Ranked

Conquer Civ 6's Tech Tree: Fastest Science Victory Civilizations

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 strategies for outpacing the competition and achieving a dominant scientific position. This guide highlights key strategies for each leader, emphasizing rapid expansion and strategic resource management.

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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 for each adjacent Seowon.

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

Seondeok's fast Science victory hinges on maximizing Seowon placement and Governor promotions. Early expansion is crucial. Utilize Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) for rapid city growth. Prioritize Civics unlocking Governor Titles to boost Science and Culture with each promotion. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, leveraging Korea's bonus for maximized Science output. A sprawling empire with optimally positioned Seowons will ensure rapid technological progress.

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 Observatories.

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

Lady Six Sky's strength lies in concentrated city development. Utilize the free Builders from Ix Mutal Ajaw to rapidly build infrastructure within the 6-tile radius of your capital. Place Observatories near Plantations or Farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. This focused expansion, combined with the Observatory's unique benefits, provides a strong foundation for rapid scientific advancement.

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 that Russia lacks.

Civilization Ability: Mother Russia: Gain 5 extra tiles when founding a city; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production; units are immune to Blizzards; civilizations at war with Russia suffer double penalties within Russian territory.

Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial Era), Lavra (Replaces Holy District; expands by 2 tiles in the nearest city when a Great Person is spent there)

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. Russia's increased city founding range allows for effective forward settling. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade routes through Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts. While typically favored for Culture and Religious victories, Peter's adaptability makes a Science victory achievable with strategic expansion and trade.

Hammurabi - Babylon

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.

Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil: Eurekas instantly unlock respective Technologies, but suffer -50% Science across the empire.

Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient Melee unit), Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing, +1 Food for all Fresh Water adjacent tiles)

Hammurabi's strategy counters Babylon's -50% Science penalty through rapid expansion. Focus on triggering Eurekas to instantly unlock technologies. Early game should prioritize Currency, Production, and city growth. Place Spies in advanced civilizations for additional Eureka opportunities. Aim for approximately six cities by the end of the Classical Era, building Campuses later to utilize the free lowest-tier building bonus. This approach allows for catching up to, and surpassing, other civilizations in technological advancement.

By mastering these strategies and leveraging each leader's unique strengths, you can pave the way for a swift and decisive Science victory in Civilization VI.