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, certain leaders offer unique advantages that accelerate the process. This guide highlights four such leaders and their strategies for dominating the tech tree.
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Seondeok - Korea
Leader Ability: Hwarang: Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their assigned city.
Civilization Ability: Three Kingdoms: Farms gain +1 Food and Mines gain +1 Science for each adjacent Seowon.
Unique Units: Hwacha (Renaissance), Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts)
Seondeok's strength lies in the synergy between her ability and Korea's unique district. Prioritize early expansion using Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to maximize Science production. Focus on unlocking Governor titles to rapidly boost Science and Culture. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, to leverage the bonus Science. This early expansion and efficient Seowon placement will leave other civilizations in the dust.
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; gain +1 Amenity per Luxury Resource adjacent to the city center. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production if adjacent to an Observatory.
Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farms)
Lady Six Sky's ability necessitates a clustered empire within a 6-tile radius of the capital. Utilize the free Builders and yield bonuses to rapidly develop these cities. Place Observatories next to Plantations or Farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. This concentrated approach, combined with efficient Observatory placement, makes a rapid Science victory achievable.
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 are ahead of Russia.
Civilization Ability: Mother Russia: Gain 5 extra tiles when founding a city; 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), Lavra (Holy Site replacement)
Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in various victory types. His ability to gain Science and Culture through trade routes ensures consistent technological progress. Russia's increased city founding radius allows for effective forward settling. Focus on enhancing trade capabilities with Currency Exchange and Harbors to maximize Science and Culture gains from trade routes.
Hammurabi - Babylon
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: Receive the cheapest building for free when constructing any district (except Government Plaza) and a free Envoy when building other districts.
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 to instantly unlock Technologies. Focus on Currency, Production, and city growth in the early game, delaying Campus construction until later. Utilize spies to accelerate Eureka progress. By the Classical Era, establish around six cities and leverage Hammurabi's free building ability to boost Science significantly. Continue focusing on Eurekas, and the early technological advantage will pave the way for a decisive Science victory.
