Civilization 6: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Speedy Science Victory Leaders
Civilization 6 offers three victory paths, 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. The key is leveraging their unique abilities and strategically expanding your empire.
Seondeok - Korea:
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, Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts)
Seondeok's strength lies in the Seowon. 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 the science bonus. This rapid expansion and optimized Seowon placement will quickly outpace opponents.
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, but cities beyond 6 tiles suffer -15% yields.
Civilization Ability: Mayab: No Housing from Fresh Water or Coast cities; gain +1 Amenity per adjacent Luxury Resource. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production next to an Observatory.
Unique Units: Hul'che, Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farms)
Lady Six Sky demands a clustered empire within a 6-tile radius of your capital. The free Builders are invaluable for rapid development. Position Observatories near Plantations or Farms to exploit adjacency bonuses. This focused expansion strategy, combined with efficient Observatory placement, fuels rapid scientific progress.
Peter - Russia:
Leader Ability: The Grand Embassy: Trade routes with more advanced civilizations grant +1 Science and +1 Culture for every 3 technologies or civics they possess.
Civilization Ability: Mother Russia: +5 extra tiles when founding a city; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production. Units are immune to Blizzards, and enemies suffer double penalties in Russian territory.
Unique Units: Cossack, Lavra (Replaces Holy District, expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent there)
Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in various victory types. For a Science victory, utilize his bonus to Trade Routes, generating significant Science and Culture from interactions with other civilizations. Early expansion is key, leveraging Russia's increased founding range. Focus on developing Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade routes for maximum scientific yield.
Hammurabi - Babylon:
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: Building any District (except Government Plaza) grants the cheapest building for free and a free Envoy.
Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil: Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies, but Science is reduced by 50% empire-wide.
Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum, Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing, +1 Food for adjacent Fresh Water)
Hammurabi's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on Production and city growth. Don't prioritize Science buildings initially; instead, use Hammurabi's free building ability to gain Libraries and other crucial structures later. A wide empire mitigates the Science penalty, allowing for a surge in technological advancement. Spies can aid in accelerating Eureka progress.
By mastering these leaders' unique abilities and employing strategic expansion, you can achieve a remarkably swift Science victory in Civilization 6. Remember, the key is adapting your strategy to the leader's strengths and weaknesses.
