Science Civs Reign Supreme: Top Strategies

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

Civilization VI offers three victory paths, with Religious Victories proving the quickest. Culture victories demand significantly more time, while Science victories fall somewhere in between. However, with the right leader, a rapid Science victory can be surprisingly straightforward.

While many Civ VI civilizations efficiently navigate the tech tree, certain leaders excel at achieving lightning-fast Science victories, potentially surpassing others by several eras. To secure a swift Science victory, focus on maximizing Science bonuses and expanding your empire strategically. Here are some top contenders:

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 rapid Science victory potential stems from the Seowon and her Hwarang ability. Early expansion is key; utilize Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) for rapid growth. Prioritize Civics unlocking Governor titles to quickly promote Governors and reap the Science/Culture bonuses.

Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mine locations. Korea's bonus grants Mines extra Science near Seowons, creating a synergistic effect. This strategic placement maximizes Seowon output while mitigating the penalty for adjacent districts. Early city establishment and optimal Seowon placement will leave other civilizations struggling to keep pace.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw – Cities within 6 tiles of the capital receive +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; instead, gain +1 Amenity per Luxury Resource adjacent to the city center. 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 significantly boosts cities near the capital. Early game, focus on establishing 5-6 cities within a 6-tile radius. Position Observatories next to resources requiring Plantations or Farms to leverage adjacency bonuses. Maintaining this tight city cluster maximizes the benefits of her ability while minimizing the drawbacks. Optimal Observatory placement is crucial for a swift Science victory.

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 whenever a Great Person is spent there)

Peter is renowned as a versatile leader, excelling in Culture and Religious victories. However, his Science generation through trade routes, powerful Lavra, extra founding tiles, and Great Person benefits make him a strong contender for a fast Science victory.

Utilize Russia's expanded founding range for effective forward settling. Build Campuses near mountains and enhance trading capabilities with Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture gains from trade routes. This strategy, coupled with early expansion, provides a solid foundation for 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 when building any other district.

Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil – Eurekas instantly unlock respective Technologies, but inflict -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 in this city)

Babylon's quick Science victory hinges on rapid expansion to offset the -50% Science penalty. Prioritize triggering Eurekas to instantly unlock technologies. Early game, focus on Currency, Production, and city growth. Utilize Spies in technologically advanced civilizations to accelerate Eureka progress.

Aim for approximately six cities by the Classical Era's end, strategically placing Campuses. Hammurabi's free building ability allows for acquiring Libraries and subsequent Campus upgrades with Gold, significantly boosting Science output. While initially focusing on Eurekas, shift towards Science production later to maintain technological advancement and secure a decisive victory in the Space Race.