Civilization VI: Fastest Science Victory Civs, Ranked

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

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, some stand out as particularly adept at achieving rapid Science victories. This guide highlights four such leaders and their strategies for dominating the tech race.

Quick Links

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

Of the three victory conditions, Religious victories offer the quickest path, while Culture victories demand significant time investment. Science victories fall somewhere in between; however, with the right leader, they can become remarkably straightforward. These civilizations, under optimal conditions, can surpass their opponents by several eras. Mastering their unique bonuses and expansion strategies is key to a rapid Science victory.

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 Ranged unit), Seowon (Campus replacement, +4 Science, -2 Science for adjacent Districts)

Seondeok's strength lies in the synergy between the Seowon and her Leader ability. Prioritize Governor promotions to maximize Science and Culture gains. Early expansion is crucial; utilize Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) for rapid city growth. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines to leverage the Three Kingdoms bonus. Careful city placement and Seowon optimization will leave other civilizations struggling to keep pace.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw - Cities within 6 tiles of the capital receive +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 Luxury Resource adjacent to the city center. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production when 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 power centers on early expansion within a 6-tile radius of the capital. The free Builders and yield bonuses are significant. Place Observatories near Plantations and Farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. Concentrated city growth is essential to avoid the yield penalty. Optimal Observatory placement within this radius is crucial for a fast Science victory.

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 possess that Russia lacks.

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 within 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)

While Peter excels in Culture and Religious victories, his abilities make him surprisingly effective for Science victories. His bonus from Trade Routes ensures consistent Science gains. Russia's expanded city founding radius allows for effective forward settling. Focus on enhancing trade capabilities through Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture generation from trade routes.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum - Building any District (except Government Plaza) grants the cheapest building for that District for free, plus a free Envoy.

Civilization Ability: Enuma Anu Enlil - Eurekas instantly unlock Technologies, but Science output is reduced by 50%.

Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient Melee unit), Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing, +1 Food for all Fresh Water adjacent tiles)

Babylon's -50% Science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and strategic Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas through diverse actions, focusing less on initial Science production. Invest in Currency and Production to fund later Campus development. Hammurabi's free building ability allows for efficient Campus construction, providing a significant Science boost later in the game. By the Middle Ages, you should be technologically ahead, ensuring a comfortable win in the Space Race.