Civilization VI: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Speedy Science Victory Leaders

Civilization VI offers three paths to victory, but a swift Science victory can be surprisingly attainable with the right leader. While some civilizations excel at rapid technological advancement, certain leaders truly shine in this pursuit. This guide highlights four leaders who can catapult you to a Science victory with strategic planning and efficient empire building.

Quick Links

• Seondeok - Korea
• Lady Six Sky - Maya
• Peter - Russia
• Hammurabi - Babylon

While Religious victories offer a quicker path, and Culture victories demand significant time investment, Science victories offer a balanced approach, particularly with these leaders. Their unique abilities and civilization bonuses enable them to outpace opponents and dominate the tech tree.

Seondeok - Korea

Seowons and Governor Promotions: The Key to Korean Scientific Dominance

• Seondeok's Leader Ability (Hwarang): Each Governor promotion provides +3% Culture and Science to their assigned city.
• Korea's Civ 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 strength lies in the synergy between her ability and Korea's unique district. Early game expansion is crucial. Utilize Magnus' promotion to prevent population loss when creating Settlers, maximizing early Science production. Prioritize Civics that unlock Governor titles to rapidly boost Science and Culture yields via promotions.

Strategic Seowon placement is paramount. Avoid adjacency to other districts to avoid the Science penalty. Instead, position them near Mines (which gain bonus Science adjacency to Seowons) for optimal Science output.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Harness the Power of the Observatory

• Lady Six Sky's 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.
• Maya's Civ Ability (Mayab): No Housing from Fresh Water or Coast cities; instead gain +1 Amenity per adjacent Luxury Resource. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production 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 encourages a compact empire. Focus on establishing 5-6 cities within a 6-tile radius of your capital, leveraging the free Builders for rapid development. Position Observatories next to Plantations or Farms for maximum adjacency bonuses. This concentrated approach maximizes yield benefits and ensures a strong early-game Science advantage.

Peter - Russia

Trade Routes to Technological Supremacy

• Peter's 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.
• Russia's Civ Ability (Mother Russia): +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, a well-rounded leader, excels at both Culture and Science. His trade route bonus allows him to consistently close the technological gap with other civilizations. Early expansion is key to establishing numerous trade routes. Focus on enhancing trade capabilities through Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture gains from advantageous trade routes.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Conquer the -50% Science Penalty Through Expansion

• Hammurabi's Leader Ability (Ninu Ilu Sirum): When building any District (except Government Plaza), receive the cheapest building for free. Also gain a free Envoy when building any other district.
• Babylon's Civ 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 civilization ability presents a challenge, but rapid expansion mitigates the -50% Science penalty. Prioritize triggering Eurekas to instantly unlock technologies. Focus on Currency, Production, and city growth in the early game, strategically utilizing Spies to gain Eureka opportunities from more advanced civilizations. By the Classical Era, establish numerous cities and Campuses, leveraging the free buildings from Hammurabi's ability to accelerate your technological progress. Maintain a balance between Eureka exploitation and Science production in the later game to secure victory.

By mastering these leaders' unique strengths and employing effective strategies, you can achieve a rapid Science victory in Civilization VI. Remember that careful planning and a well-timed expansion are crucial to outmaneuvering your opponents in the race for technological dominance.