Civilization VI: Fastest Science Victory Civs, Ranked

Civ 6: 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 rapidly advancing through the tech tree, these leaders offer unique advantages for securing a quick Science victory. Remember, strategic empire expansion and maximizing science bonuses are key.

Seondeok - Korea:

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

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

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

Seondeok's strength lies in the Seowon. Prioritize early expansion using Magnus' promotion to prevent population loss when creating settlers. Focus on unlocking Governor titles to rapidly boost Science and Culture. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from your city center, adjacent to future Mines, leveraging Korea's bonus to maximize Science output. Rapid early expansion and optimal Seowon placement are crucial for outpacing opponents.

Lady Six Sky - Maya:

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw: Cities within 6 tiles of your 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 freshwater or coastal cities; +1 Amenity per adjacent luxury resource. Farms gain +1 Housing and Production next to an Observatory.

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

Lady Six Sky's ability rewards a clustered empire. Concentrate your early cities within a 6-tile radius of your capital, utilizing the free Builders. Place Observatories next to plantations or farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. Careful city placement and Observatory optimization are essential for a swift Science victory.

Peter - Russia:

Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy: Trade routes with more advanced civilizations grant +1 Science and Culture for every 3 technologies or civics they possess.

Civilization Ability: Mother Russia: +5 extra tiles when founding cities; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and Production; units are immune to blizzards; warring civilizations suffer double penalties in Russian territory.

Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial), Lavra (Holy District replacement; expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent)

Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in various victory types. His trade route bonus provides consistent Science and Culture gains. Early aggressive expansion, leveraging Russia's extra founding tiles, is key. Establish Campuses near mountains and enhance trade routes with Currency Exchange and Harbors. While not his primary strength, a focused approach can yield a fast Science victory.

Hammurabi - Babylon:

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

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 freshwater tiles)

Babylon's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on diverse development rather than solely Science. Establish multiple cities quickly to mitigate the Science penalty. Delay Campus construction until later, utilizing Hammurabi's free building to maximize Science gains once you have established a wide empire. Focus on trade and currency to fund later Campus development. By the Middle Ages, you should be technologically ahead, securing a strong position for the Space Race.

These leaders, with their unique abilities and strategic advantages, offer distinct pathways to a rapid Science victory in Civilization VI. Remember that strategic city placement, efficient resource management, and a keen understanding of each leader's strengths are crucial for success.