Civilization 6: Conquer the Tech Tree with These Leaders for a Speedy Science Victory

Civilization 6 offers three paths to victory, but a well-timed Science victory can be surprisingly swift. While many civilizations excel at technological advancement, some leaders stand out as particularly adept at achieving a rapid Science victory. This guide highlights four such leaders, outlining their unique abilities and optimal strategies for dominating the tech tree.

Quick Links

• Seondeok - Korea
• Lady Six Sky - Maya
• Peter - Russia
• Hammurabi - Babylon

Seondeok - Korea

Key Strategies: Maximize Seowon placement and Governor promotions.

• Leader Ability (Hwarang): Governor promotions provide significant Culture and Science boosts.
• Civ Ability (Three Kingdoms): Seowons enhance nearby Farms and Mines, creating powerful Science synergies.
• Unique Units: The Hwacha and Seowon offer tactical and scientific advantages.

Early game expansion is crucial. Utilize Magnus' promotion to prevent population loss during early city expansion for maximum Science generation. Prioritize Civics that unlock Governor titles to rapidly boost Science and Culture through promotions. Strategically position Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, leveraging Korea's unique ability. Rapid city growth and optimized Seowon placement will ensure a significant technological lead.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Key Strategies: Cluster cities and optimize Observatory adjacency.

• Leader Ability (Ix Mutal Ajaw): Provides significant yield bonuses to cities near the capital, but penalizes distant cities.
• Civ Ability (Mayab): Observatories gain bonuses from adjacent Farms and Plantations.
• Unique Units: The Hul'che and Observatory contribute to early and mid-game strength.

Early city placement is paramount. Focus on establishing five or six cities within a six-tile radius of your capital, utilizing the free Builder provided by Lady Six Sky's ability. Maximize Observatory adjacency bonuses by placing them near Plantations and Farms. Careful city placement and resource management are key to a quick Science victory with the Maya.

Peter - Russia

Key Strategies: Leverage Trade Routes and rapid expansion.

• Leader Ability (The Grand Embassy): Trade routes with technologically advanced civilizations generate significant Science and Culture.
• Civ Ability (Mother Russia): Provides extra city founding range and tundra tile bonuses.
• Unique Units: The Cossack and Lavra offer military and city-building advantages.

Peter's strength lies in his ability to gain Science from other civilizations. Early expansion is vital to secure advantageous trade routes. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and developing Harbor Districts and Currency Exchange to maximize trade route benefits. While not exclusively a Science victory leader, Peter's adaptability and strong early game allow for a fast Science victory with the right strategy.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Key Strategies: Rapid expansion to offset the Science penalty.

• Leader Ability (Ninu Ilu Sirum): Provides free district buildings and Envoys.
• Civ Ability (Enuma Anu Enlil): Instant Eureka unlocks but a significant Science penalty.
• Unique Units: The Sabum Kibittum and Palgum offer military and production advantages.

Hammurabi's strategy revolves around mitigating the -50% Science penalty. Focus on rapid expansion to establish many cities, offsetting the penalty through sheer volume. Prioritize triggering Eurekas to unlock Technologies instantly. Initially focus on Currency, Production, and city growth, then build Campuses later, leveraging the free buildings provided by Hammurabi's ability for a powerful Science surge. Maintain a balance between Eureka exploitation and Science production in the late game to secure a decisive victory.