Top Civilizations for Speediest Science Victories in Civ VI

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

Civilization VI offers three victory paths, with Religious Victories proving the quickest. Culture victories demand significantly more time, while Science victories fall somewhere in between. However, with the right leader, a rapid Science victory can be surprisingly straightforward.

While many Civ VI civilizations efficiently navigate the technology tree, certain leaders excel at achieving lightning-fast Science victories, potentially surpassing other civilizations by several eras. This requires strategic focus on Science bonuses and expansive empire building. Let's examine some of the top contenders:

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 rapid Science victory potential stems from the synergy between Seowons and her Leader ability. Early game expansion is key; utilize Magnus' promotion (preventing population loss when creating Settlers) for rapid city growth and maximized Science production. Prioritize Civics unlocking Governor Titles to quickly promote Governors and reap the Science/Culture bonuses.

Strategically position Seowons at least two tiles from city centers, adjacent to future Mines. Korea's bonus to Mines near Seowons maximizes output. This careful placement avoids the Seowon's adjacency penalty. Early city establishment and optimal Seowon placement will leave other civilizations struggling to match Korea's technological advancement.

Lady Six Sky - Maya

Leader Ability: Ix Mutal Ajaw – Cities within 6 tiles of the capital gain +10% to all Yields and receive a free Builder upon founding; cities beyond 6 tiles suffer -15% Yields.

Civilization Ability: Mayab – No Housing bonus 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, +1 from Farm adjacency)

Lady Six Sky's ability necessitates a clustered empire within a 6-tile radius of the capital to maximize the benefits. After securing Magnus' promotion, establish 5-6 cities within this radius. Place Observatories near resources requiring Plantations or Farms to leverage their adjacency bonuses. Optimal Observatory placement within this compact empire is crucial for a swift 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 beyond Russia's level.

Civilization Ability: Mother Russia – Gain 5 extra tiles when founding a city; Tundra tiles provide +1 Faith and +1 Production. Units are immune to Blizzards, while enemies 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)

Peter, a well-rounded leader, excels in Culture and Religious victories but can also secure a fast Science victory. His Trade Route ability prevents technological stagnation. Russia's increased founding range allows for effective forward settling. Focus on building Campuses near mountains and enhancing trade capabilities via Currency Exchange and Harbor Districts to maximize Science and Culture gains from trade routes.

Hammurabi - Babylon

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

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

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

Babylon's rapid Science victory strategy relies on rapid expansion to offset the 50% Science penalty. Prioritize triggering Eurekas early, focusing on Production and city growth. Utilize Spies in advanced civilizations for additional Eureka opportunities. Aim for approximately six cities by the Classical Era's end, delaying Campus construction until later to leverage the free lowest-tier building from Hammurabi's ability. This ensures access to Libraries and allows for a significant Science boost using Gold. Maintain Science production while prioritizing Eureka triggers to outpace other civilizations technologically, securing a decisive Space Race victory.