Science Supremacy: Civs to Dominate Civilization VI with Lightning Speed

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 rapidly ascending the tech tree. This guide highlights four such civilizations and their strategies for achieving a quick Science victory.

Of the three victory conditions, Religious Victories offer the quickest path, while Culture victories demand significantly more time. Science victories fall somewhere in between; however, with the right leader, they can become remarkably straightforward. Many Civ VI civilizations efficiently navigate the technology tree, but these leaders consistently outpace others under optimal conditions. Mastering their unique abilities and strategic expansion is key to a rapid Science victory.

Seondeok - Korea

Leverage Seowons and Governor Promotions for Exponential Science Growth

Seondeok Leader Ability (Hwarang): Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their assigned city.
Korea Civ 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 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 both Science and Culture.

The Seowon's science output diminishes with adjacent districts. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from your city center, near future mine locations. The adjacency bonus for mines near Seowons further enhances science generation. Rapid early expansion and optimal Seowon placement are crucial for outpacing rivals.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Maximize Observatory Science Output Through Strategic City Placement

Lady Six Sky Leader Ability (Ix Mutal Ajaw): Cities within 6 tiles of your capital receive +10% to all yields and a free builder upon founding, but cities beyond 6 tiles suffer -15% yields.
Maya Civ Ability (Mayab): No housing bonus from freshwater 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 ability incentivizes clustered city development. Utilize Magnus' promotion for early expansion, aiming for five or six cities within the 6-tile radius. Place Observatories near plantations or farms to maximize their adjacency bonuses. Concentrated city development and optimal Observatory placement are key to a quick Science victory.

Peter - Russia

Dominate Through Trade Route Science Acquisition

Peter 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.
Russia Civ Ability (Mother Russia): Gain 5 extra tiles when founding a city. Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production. Units are immune to blizzards, and enemy civilizations suffer double penalties within Russian territory.
Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial Era), Lavra (Replaces Holy District; expands by 2 tiles in the nearest city whenever a Great Person is spent there)

Peter is a versatile leader, excelling in Culture and Religious victories. However, his strong trade routes provide a significant science advantage. Early expansion is crucial to leverage his extra founding tiles. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trading capabilities through Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to optimize science and culture gains from trade routes.

Hammurabi - Babylon

Overcome the Science Penalty Through Rapid Expansion

Hammurabi Leader Ability (Ninu Ilu Sirum): When building any district (except Government Plaza), receive the cheapest building for that district for free. Also receive a free Envoy when building any other district.
Babylon Civ Ability (Enuma Anu Enlil): Eurekas instantly unlock respective technologies, but suffer -50% Science across the empire.
Unique Units: Sabum Kibittum (Ancient Melee unit), Palgum (+2 Production and +1 Housing; +1 Food for all freshwater adjacent tiles in this city)

Babylon's -50% science penalty is offset by rapid expansion and strategic Eureka exploitation. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on production and city growth. Utilize spies to accelerate Eureka progress. Aim for six cities by the Classical Era's end and leverage Hammurabi's free building ability to maximize Campus science output in the Middle Ages. While Eurekas are the primary focus early, sustained science production is necessary for late-game technologies. This strategy ensures technological dominance by the Space Race.