Civilization VI: Fastest Paths to a Science Victory
Civilization VI offers three victory conditions, with Religious Victories being the quickest and Culture Victories the most time-consuming. Science victories fall somewhere in between, but with the right leader, they can be surprisingly straightforward. While many civilizations excel at technological advancement, these leaders consistently achieve the fastest Science victories. Remember, maximizing Science bonuses and expanding your empire are crucial for success.
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 (Renaissance), Seowon (Campus replacement: +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts)
Seondeok's fast Science victory strategy relies on Seowons and her Leader ability. Early expansion is key, utilizing Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to rapidly establish cities. Prioritize Civics that unlock Governor titles to quickly promote them and boost Science and Culture. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines (which gain bonus Science next to Seowons). This prevents the Seowon's adjacency penalty while maximizing its output. Rapid city expansion and optimal Seowon placement will leave other civilizations far behind.
Lady Six Sky - Maya:
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 clustered city development. Focus on establishing 5-6 cities within a 6-tile radius of your capital, utilizing the free Builders. Place Observatories near resources requiring Plantations or Farms to leverage their adjacency bonuses. Maintaining this tight city cluster maximizes yields and facilitates a rapid Science victory.
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 cities; 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 Era), Lavra (Holy District replacement: expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent there)
Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in Culture and Religious victories. However, his Trade Route bonuses provide a strong Science foundation. Early expansion is crucial, leveraging the extra founding tiles to forward settle effectively. Build Campuses near mountains and focus on trade, utilizing Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture gains from your most productive routes.
Hammurabi - Babylon:
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: Receive the cheapest building for free when constructing any District (except Government Plaza); receive a free Envoy when building any other district.
Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil: Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies, but Science output is reduced by 50%.
Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient), Palgum (+2 Production, +1 Housing, +1 Food for adjacent Fresh Water)
Hammurabi's strategy counters Babylon's Science penalty through rapid expansion. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on Production and city growth rather than initial Science production. Use Spies to acquire Eureka opportunities from technologically advanced civilizations. Aim for around six cities by the Classical Era, delaying Campus construction until later to utilize the free lowest-tier building. By the Middle Ages, purchase secondary Campus buildings with accumulated Gold for a significant Science boost. While maintaining Science production, prioritize Eurekas to gain a significant technological advantage, ensuring victory in the Space Race.
