Civilization VI: Fastest Science Victory Civs, Ranked

Conquer Civ 6's Tech Tree: Fastest Science Victory Civilizations

In Civilization VI, a Science Victory can be surprisingly swift with the right leader. While some civilizations excel at rapid technological advancement, a select few can truly dominate the tech tree. This guide highlights four such civilizations and their strategies for achieving a quick Science Victory.

Quick Links

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

While Religious Victories offer a faster initial path, and Cultural Victories demand significant long-term investment, a well-executed Science Victory can provide a balanced and efficient route to domination. The key lies in leveraging unique leader abilities and civilization bonuses to maximize scientific output.

Seondeok - Korea

Leverage Seowons and Governor Promotions

• Seondeok's Leader Ability (Hwarang): Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their city.
• Korea's Civ Ability (Three Kingdoms): Farms and Mines gain +1 Food and +1 Science respectively for each adjacent Seowon.
• Unique Units: Hwacha (Renaissance Ranged unit), Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts).

Seondeok's strategy centers around rapid expansion and Governor promotion. Utilize Magnus's promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) for early expansion. Prioritize Civics that unlock Governor titles to boost Science and Culture. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines, maximizing their Science bonus. This early city proliferation and optimized Seowon placement will quickly outpace opponents.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Master Observatory Placement for Maximum Science

• Lady Six Sky's 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.
• Maya's Civ Ability (Mayab): No Housing from Fresh Water or Coastal cities; +1 Amenity per Luxury Resource adjacent to the city center; Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production adjacent to an Observatory.
• Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient Ranged unit), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency bonus, +1 from Farms).

Lady Six Sky's ability necessitates a compact empire within a 6-tile radius of the capital. Use Magnus's promotion for rapid early expansion within this radius. Place Observatories next to Plantations or Farms to maximize adjacency bonuses. This focused expansion and optimized Observatory placement ensures high Science output within a concentrated area.

Peter - Russia

Exploit Trade Routes for Scientific Advantage

• Peter's Leader Ability (The Grand Embassy): Trade routes with other civilizations grant +1 Science and +1 Culture for every 3 Technologies or Civics they possess beyond Russia's level.
• Russia's Civ Ability (Mother Russia): +5 extra founding tiles; 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 (Replaces Holy District; expands by 2 tiles in the nearest city when a Great Person is spent there).

Peter's strength lies in his ability to leverage trade routes for Science gains. His expansive founding tiles allow for rapid early expansion. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and developing Harbor Districts and Currency Exchange to maximize trade route benefits. While typically better suited for Culture and Religious victories, Peter's adaptable nature allows for a Science victory with strategic expansion and trade route management.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Conquer the -50% Science Penalty Through Expansion

• Hammurabi's 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.
• Babylon's Civ Ability (Enuma Anu Enlil): Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies, but impose a -50% Science penalty.
• Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient Melee unit), Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing; +1 Food for all adjacent Fresh Water tiles).

Hammurabi's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and Eureka exploitation. Focus on triggering Eurekas early, prioritizing Production and city growth. Utilize spies to accelerate Eureka progress. By the Classical Era, establish around six cities with Campuses. Hammurabi's free building ability allows for efficient late-game Campus development, compensating for the initial Science deficit. Maintain a focus on Eurekas while gradually increasing Science production to maintain a significant technological advantage.

By mastering these strategies, you can transform these civilizations into Science Victory powerhouses, conquering the technological race in Civilization VI.