Top Science Victory Civs in Civilization VI
Civ 6: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Leaders for a Speedy Science Victory
Civilization VI offers three victory paths, but a swift Science victory can be surprisingly achievable with the right leader. While many civilizations excel at technological advancement, these leaders offer unique advantages for rapid Science development. This guide outlines strategies for achieving a fast Science victory with four powerful leaders: Seondeok (Korea), Lady Six Sky (Maya), Peter (Russia), and Hammurabi (Babylon).
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Seondeok - Korea
Leader Ability: Hwarang - Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their assigned city.
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 fast Science victory strategy hinges on Seowons and Governor promotions. Prioritize early expansion using Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to maximize Science production. Focus on Civics unlocking Governor titles for substantial Science and Culture boosts. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines (which receive bonus Science next to Seowons in Korea). This optimized placement mitigates the Seowon's adjacency penalty.
Lady Six Sky - Maya
Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw - Cities within 6 tiles of your capital receive +10% to all yields and a free Builder upon founding; cities beyond 6 tiles suffer -15% yields.
Civ 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 when adjacent to an Observatory.
Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient Ranged unit), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farm adjacency)
Lady Six Sky's strength lies in her centralized empire. Utilize Magnus' promotion for rapid early expansion, keeping cities within the 6-tile radius of your capital to maximize yield bonuses. Place Observatories next to Plantations or Farms to leverage their adjacency bonuses. This focused approach ensures efficient Science generation.
Peter - Russia
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.
Civ Ability: Mother Russia - Gain 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, while versatile, can achieve a Science victory through strategic trade. His extra founding tiles facilitate rapid expansion. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade routes via Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture gains from trade. This indirect approach allows for consistent technological advancement.
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 any other district.
Civ Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil - Eurekas instantly unlock respective Technologies, but Science output is reduced by -50% 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 counters Babylon's -50% Science penalty through rapid expansion. Focus on triggering Eurekas early, prioritizing Production and city growth over initial Science production. Use Spies to accelerate Eureka progress in advanced civilizations. Delay Campus construction until later to leverage free buildings, then use gold to purchase secondary buildings for a significant Science boost. While Eurekas are key, maintain Science production to ensure a strong finish in the Space Race.
By mastering these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a fast Science victory in Civilization VI. Remember that adaptability and strategic planning are crucial for success in any Civilization game.



