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 technology tree, certain leaders excel at achieving lightning-fast Science victories. This guide highlights those leaders, emphasizing the strategies needed to outpace opponents and secure a decisive win.
Seondeok - Korea: Maximize Seowon Efficiency
Leader Ability: Hwarang - Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their 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 to prevent population loss when creating Settlers. Prioritize Civics that unlock Governor titles for substantial Science and Culture boosts.
Strategically position Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines. Korea's bonus grants Mines extra Science near Seowons, creating a synergistic effect. Avoid placing districts next to Seowons to prevent science penalties.
Lady Six Sky - Maya: Harness Observatory Power
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; gain +1 Amenity per Luxury Resource adjacent to the city center. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production if 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 clustered city development. Focus on establishing 5-6 cities within a 6-tile radius of the capital, utilizing the free Builders. Position Observatories near Plantations or Farms to maximize adjacency bonuses. Careful city placement is crucial for success.
Peter - Russia: Leverage Trade Route Science
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 founding tiles; 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 in the nearest city when a Great Person is spent there)
Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in Culture and Religious victories. However, his strong trade routes provide a significant Science advantage. Early expansion using the extra founding tiles is vital. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and developing strong trade routes via Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts.
Hammurabi - Babylon: Conquer the -50% Science Penalty
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum - Building any District (except Government Plaza) grants the cheapest building for free, plus a free Envoy.
Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil - Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies, but impose a -50% Science penalty empire-wide.
Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient Melee unit), Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing, +1 Food for all adjacent Fresh Water tiles)
Hammurabi's strategy revolves around rapid expansion to offset the significant Science penalty. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on Production and city growth. Utilize Spies to gain Eureka opportunities from advanced civilizations. Delay Campus construction until later, leveraging the free lowest-tier building to maximize Science output. By the Middle Ages, you should have enough gold to purchase secondary Campus buildings for a substantial boost. While Eurekas remain crucial, gradually shift focus towards Science production in the late game.
By mastering these strategies, you can leverage the strengths of these leaders to achieve remarkably fast Science victories in Civilization VI.
