Fastest Civs to Science Victory in Civilization VI

Civ 6: Conquer the 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 in technological advancement, some stand out as particularly adept at achieving rapid Science victories. This guide highlights four leaders who can dominate the tech tree and secure a quick win.

Key to Fast Science Victories: Maximizing Science output requires a combination of strategic city placement, efficient district building, and leveraging unique leader and civilization abilities. Expanding your empire early is crucial for generating more Science from multiple cities.

Seondeok - Korea

Leader Ability: Hwarang (+3% Culture and Science per Governor promotion)

Civilization Ability: Three Kingdoms (+1 Food and +1 Science per adjacent Seowon for Farms and Mines respectively)

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

Seondeok's strength lies in the synergy between her leader ability and Korea's unique Seowon district. Focus on early expansion to maximize Seowon placement. Remember, Seowons lose Science with adjacent districts, so strategic placement near Mines is key to offsetting this penalty. Prioritize Governor promotions for a significant Science boost.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw (+10% Yields within 6 tiles of the capital, free Builder upon city founding; -15% Yields beyond 6 tiles)

Civilization Ability: Mayab (+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, Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farm adjacency)

Lady Six Sky's ability encourages a compact empire. Settle within the 6-tile radius of your capital to maximize yield bonuses. Observatories, strategically placed near Farms and Plantations, become powerful Science generators. The free Builders from her ability significantly aid early expansion and district construction.

Peter - Russia

Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy (+1 Science and +1 Culture per 3 Technologies/Civics ahead of Russia on Trade Routes)

Civilization Ability: Mother Russia (+5 extra founding tiles; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production; units immune to blizzards; enemies suffer double penalties in Russian territory)

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

Peter is a versatile leader, but his Science victory potential comes from his ability to leverage Trade Routes. Early expansion is vital to establish numerous Trade Routes with technologically advanced civilizations. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade capabilities through Harbor Districts and Currency Exchange.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum (Free lowest-cost building for any District except Government Plaza; free Envoy when building any other district)

Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil (Instant Eureka unlocks, -50% Science empire-wide)

Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum, Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing; +1 Food for adjacent Fresh Water)

Hammurabi's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and strategic Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, even at the cost of initial Science production. Focus on Currency, Production, and city growth. Utilize Hammurabi's free building ability to maximize late-game Science boosts by waiting to build Campuses and utilizing the free Library.

By understanding the strengths of these leaders and implementing the suggested strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a fast and decisive Science victory in Civilization VI. Remember that adapting to the game's dynamics and your opponents' strategies is crucial for success.