Civ 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 achievable with the right leader. While many civilizations excel at technological advancement, some truly stand out for their potential to dominate the tech tree and achieve a rapid Science victory. This guide highlights four leaders perfectly suited for this strategy.
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Seondeok - Korea
Seowons and Governor Promotions: The Korean Science Engine
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), Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science from adjacent Districts)
Seondeok's strength lies in the synergy between her ability and Korea's unique district. Prioritize early expansion using Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to maximize Science production. Focus on unlocking Governor titles to rapidly boost Science and Culture. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to Mines (which gain bonus Science next to Seowons) to avoid adjacency penalties. This rapid early expansion and efficient Seowon placement will allow Korea to outpace rivals.
Lady Six Sky - Maya
Observatory Adjacency: Maximizing Science Output
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.
Civilization Ability: Mayab: No housing from fresh water or coastal cities; instead, gain +1 Amenity per adjacent luxury resource. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production adjacent to Observatories.
Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farm adjacency)
Lady Six Sky's ability encourages a clustered empire. Utilize Magnus' promotion for rapid early expansion, keeping cities within the 6-tile radius. Place Observatories next to Plantations or Farms to maximize adjacency bonuses. This concentrated approach, combined with the Observatory's bonuses, fuels a rapid Science surge.
Peter - Russia
Trade Route Domination: A Science-Fueled Empire
Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy: Trade routes with other civilizations grant +1 Science and +1 Culture for every 3 technologies or civics they are ahead of Russia.
Civilization Ability: Mother Russia: +5 extra tiles when founding a city; 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), Lavra (Holy District replacement)
Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in various victory types. His ability to leverage technological advantages from trade routes makes him a strong contender for a Science victory. Early expansion is key, utilizing Russia's extra founding tiles. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade routes through Currency Exchange and Harbors to maximize Science gains.
Hammurabi - Babylon
Eureka Exploits: Overcoming the Science Penalty
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: When building any district (except Government Plaza), receive the cheapest building for that district for free; receive 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
Babylon's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and Eureka exploitation. Focus on triggering Eurekas through diverse actions, prioritizing city growth and trade over early Science production. Utilize Spies to accelerate Eureka progress in advanced civilizations. By the Classical era, establish several cities with Campuses, leveraging Hammurabi's free building ability for a significant Science boost in the mid-game. Maintain Science production while prioritizing Eurekas to maintain a significant technological advantage.
By mastering these leaders' unique strengths and employing strategic expansion and development, you can pave the way for a remarkably fast Science victory in Civilization VI.
