Civilization 6: Fastest Paths to a Science Victory
Civilization 6 offers three victory conditions, with Science victories often falling between the quickest (Religious) and the longest (Culture). However, with the right leader and strategy, a fast Science victory can be surprisingly straightforward. While many Civs can progress quickly through the tech tree, these leaders excel at outpacing their opponents. Success hinges on leveraging Science bonuses and expanding your empire effectively.
Seondeok - Korea:
Leader Ability: Hwarang (+3% Culture and Science per Governor promotion)
Civ Ability: Three Kingdoms (+1 Food and Science per adjacent Seowon for Farms and Mines respectively)
Unique Units: Hwacha, Seowon (+4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts)
Seondeok's strength lies in the Seowon and her Governor bonus. Early expansion is key; utilize Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) for rapid growth. Prioritize Civics granting Governor titles to maximize the Science and Culture boosts from promotions. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, to benefit from Korea's unique ability. This optimized placement ensures maximum Science output from Seowons and Mines.
Lady Six Sky - Maya:
Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw (+10% Yields within 6 tiles of the capital, free Builder on founding; -15% Yields beyond 6 tiles)
Civ Ability: Mayab (+1 Amenity per adjacent Luxury Resource; Farms gain +1 Housing and Production adjacent to Observatories)
Unique Units: Hul'che, Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farms)
Lady Six Sky's ability encourages clustered city development. Utilize Magnus' promotion for rapid early expansion, keeping cities within the 6-tile radius. Place Observatories near Plantations and Farms to maximize adjacency bonuses. This concentrated approach maximizes the benefits of her leader ability while achieving a rapid Science victory.
Peter - Russia:
Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy (+1 Science and Culture per 3 Technologies/Civics ahead of Russia on Trade Routes)
Civ Ability: Mother Russia (+5 extra founding tiles; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and Production; Units immune to Blizzards; enemies suffer double penalties in Russian territory)
Unique Units: Cossack, Lavra (expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent)
Peter, while versatile, is typically better suited for Culture and Religious victories. However, his Trade Route bonus can fuel a Science victory. Early expansion is crucial, leveraging Russia's extra founding tiles. Focus on Campuses near mountains and enhance trade capabilities through Currency Exchange and Harbors to maximize Science and Culture gains from Trade Routes.
Hammurabi - Babylon:
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum (free lowest-cost building for any District except Government Plaza; free Envoy when building other Districts)
Civ Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil (instant Eureka unlocks, -50% Science empire-wide)
Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum, Palgum (+2 Production, +1 Housing; +1 Food for adjacent Fresh Water)
Babylon's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on Production and city growth rather than initial 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 Middle Ages. Maintain Science production while prioritizing Eurekas to maintain a technological lead for a decisive Space Race victory.
