Civilization VI: Fastest Paths to a Science Victory
Civilization VI offers three victory conditions, with Science victories often falling mid-range in terms of time investment. However, with the right leader and strategy, a swift Science victory is achievable. While many civilizations can progress through the tech tree rapidly, these leaders excel at outpacing opponents under the right circumstances. Remember to focus on maximizing science bonuses and expanding your empire strategically.
Seondeok - Korea:
Leader Ability: Hwarang: Each Governor promotion grants +3% Culture and Science to their 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 fast science victory relies on Seowons and Governor promotions. Early expansion is key, utilizing Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) to rapidly build your empire. Prioritize Civics that unlock Governor titles for substantial Science and Culture boosts. Strategically place Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines to leverage Korea's unique ability. This optimized placement ensures maximum science output.
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, but cities beyond 6 tiles suffer -15% yields.
Civilization Ability: Mayab: No Housing from Fresh Water or Coastal cities; instead, gain +1 Amenity per adjacent Luxury Resource. Farms gain +1 Housing and +1 Production when adjacent to an Observatory.
Unique Units: Hul'che (Ancient), Observatory (+2 Science from Plantation adjacency, +1 from Farms).
Lady Six Sky's strength lies in concentrated expansion. Maximize the benefits of Ix Mutal Ajaw by clustering cities within a 6-tile radius of the capital. Place Observatories near resources requiring Plantations or Farms to exploit their adjacency bonuses. This focused approach ensures strong early science generation.
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: +5 extra tiles when founding a city; Tundra tiles grant +1 Faith and +1 Production. Units are immune to Blizzards; enemies suffer double penalties in Russian territory.
Unique Units: Cossack (Industrial), Lavra (Holy District replacement, expands by 2 tiles when a Great Person is spent).
Peter, while versatile, can achieve a Science victory through strategic trade. His ability to gain significant Science and Culture from trade routes makes him less susceptible to falling behind. Early expansion is crucial, utilizing Russia's increased founding range. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade capabilities via Currency Exchange and Harbors to maximize science gains from lucrative trade routes.
Hammurabi - Babylon:
Leader Ability: Ninu Ilu Sirum: When building any District (except Government Plaza), get the lowest-cost building for free; also receive a free Envoy.
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).
Babylon's path to a Science victory involves rapid expansion to offset the -50% Science penalty. Prioritize triggering Eurekas to instantly unlock Technologies. Focus on Currency, Production, and city growth in the early game. Utilize Spies to gain Eureka opportunities from more advanced civilizations. Delay Campus construction until later, leveraging Hammurabi's ability to acquire free buildings and maximizing science output with gold purchases. This strategy allows Babylon to catch up and surpass other civilizations.
