Science Sprint: Ranking Civs for Lightning-Fast Victories

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

Civilization VI offers three paths to victory, but a swift Science victory can be surprisingly achievable with the right leader. While some civilizations excel at rapid technological advancement, these leaders stand out for their ability to dominate the tech tree and secure a quick win. This guide highlights four leaders particularly suited for a fast Science victory, emphasizing strategic city placement and key abilities.

Seondeok - Korea: Maximize Seowon Synergy

• Leader Ability (Hwarang): Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their city.
• Civilization Ability (Three Kingdoms): Farms and Mines gain +1 Food and +1 Science respectively for each adjacent Seowon.
• Unique Units: Hwacha (Renaissance), Seowon (Campus replacement; +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts).

Seondeok's strength lies in the Seowon's Science bonus and the Hwarang ability. Early game expansion is crucial. Prioritize Governor promotions for significant Science boosts. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, to maximize Science output while mitigating the adjacency penalty.

Lady Six Sky - Maya: Concentrated Power Around the Capital

• 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 Coast cities; +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 Farms).

Lady Six Sky demands a tightly clustered empire. Utilize the free Builders to rapidly develop cities within the 6-tile radius. Position Observatories next to Plantations or Farms for optimal adjacency bonuses. This concentrated approach maximizes yield and accelerates Science production.

Peter - Russia: Trade Your Way to Victory

• Leader Ability (The Grand Embassy): Trade routes with technologically advanced civilizations grant +1 Science and +1 Culture for every 3 Technologies or Civics they possess beyond Russia's level.
• Civilization Ability (Mother Russia): +5 extra founding tiles; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production; units are immune to Blizzards; enemies suffer double penalties in Russian territory.
• Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial), Lavra (Holy District replacement; expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent).

Peter's versatility makes him a strong contender for a Science victory. His expanded founding range allows for rapid early expansion. Focus on establishing lucrative trade routes with advanced civilizations to leverage his Leader ability. Combine this with strategic Campus placement near mountains to maximize Science generation.

Hammurabi - Babylon: Embrace the Eureka Advantage

• Leader Ability (Ninu Ilu Sirum): Free lowest-cost building for any District (except Government Plaza); free Envoy when building other Districts.
• Civilization Ability (Enuma Anu Enlil): Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies; -50% Science across the empire.
• Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient), Palgum (+2 Production, +1 Housing; +1 Food for adjacent Fresh Water).

Hammurabi's -50% Science penalty is offset by his ability to rapidly acquire technologies through Eurekas and his free building bonus. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on production and city growth. Delay Campus construction until later to maximize the free building bonus. A wide empire mitigates the Science penalty, allowing you to catch up and surpass other civilizations. Utilize Spies to accelerate Eureka progress.

By mastering these strategies and leveraging each leader's unique strengths, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving a fast and decisive Science victory in Civilization VI.