Unleash Your Inner Einstein: Mastering Science per Turn in Civilization VI

So, you want to be the tech leader in Civilization VI, huh? To dominate the space race, unravel the secrets of the atom, and leave your rivals in the digital dust? The key, my friends, lies in maximizing your science per turn (SPT). In essence, prioritize Campuses with high adjacency bonuses, secure Scientific City-States, and make sure to pick the right Civ and leader.

The Science Behind the Science: Maximizing SPT

Here’s the lowdown on how to turn your civilization into a scientific powerhouse:

1. Campus, Campus, Campus!: No surprise here. Campuses are your primary science generators. Prioritize building them early and often. Look for locations with high adjacency bonuses. That means placing them next to mountains, rainforests, geothermal fissures, or districts. Aim to get at least +3 adjacency bonus on all of your campuses. Consider policies that double campus adjacency bonuses early in the game.

2. Great People are Key: Great Scientists are crucial. Recruit them to trigger Eureka moments, which will boost your tech research and to add science to your cities, districts, or even your entire civilization. Use patronage if you have enough gold to recruit great people. The Oracle wonder is also very helpful for acquiring great people.

3. Government Matters: Certain governments and policies are more conducive to science. Democracy provides a science bonus to cities with high amenities. Also, consider Theocracy government for the additional faith. Rationalism, which doubles campus adjacency bonuses, is a staple in any science-focused game. Use these government types to create bonuses that will scale with your science gains.

4. Scientific City-States are your Friends: Becoming suzerain of a Scientific City-State such as Geneva can provide substantial science boosts. Send envoys early and often. This will give you great scientists and technologies.

5. Housing & Amenities are Essential: Cities that grow faster are cities that produce more science. Ensure your cities have adequate housing and amenities to support growth.

6. Trade Routes Lead to Knowledge: Establishing trade routes with other civilizations, especially those with higher tech levels, can give you a science boost. Having a lot of resources will increase your trading potential.

7. Research Agreements are Your Secret Weapon: Once you unlock the proper civics, Research Agreements with other civilizations are an incredibly powerful way to slingshot yourself through the tech tree. They give you big research bonuses with cities that you have trade routes with.

8. Religion for Science: Consider founding a religion and choosing beliefs that benefit science, such as a Scientist Apostle. A Science religion is a great tool for converting your cities to generate science and faith.

9. Espionage for Victory: Spies can be used to steal technologies from more advanced civilizations. Make sure to protect your own cities and campuses from enemy spies. Use counter-espionage to prevent sabotage.

10. Early Game Focus: Research pottery as fast as possible. If you encounter another civilization, you will gain a bonus to your pottery research. This will unlock writing, which will help you unlock campuses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Civilization is the best for a Science Victory?

Several civilizations are excellent for science, each with unique strengths:

• Korea (Seondeok): Their Seowon district gets a hefty science bonus, and their unique unit is also very powerful.
• Scotland (Robert the Bruce): They have a production bonus, which makes their Great People unique.
• Babylon (Hammurabi): Their unique ability gives them an early boost to science and culture, but they will lack inspiration and eureka.

2. How important are Great Scientists in Civ 6?

Great Scientists are incredibly important. Some provide immediate boosts to science, while others grant Eureka moments or directly improve your Campus districts. Recruit them whenever possible. The Oxford University wonder also gives a boost to great scientist points.

3. What’s the best way to place a Campus district?

Look for tiles next to mountains, rainforests, geothermal fissures, or other districts for adjacency bonuses. A Campus with +3 or higher adjacency is ideal. Ensure that you have enough population to work each of your campuses.

4. How do Research Agreements work?

Research Agreements require diplomatic favor and generate bonus science per turn based on your relationship with another civilization. Strong relationships are vital for maximizing their effectiveness.

5. Is it worth going to war in a Science game?

Generally, avoid war if possible. War diverts production and can damage your infrastructure. However, a carefully planned war to eliminate a rival science civilization or secure strategic resources may be necessary.

6. How do I defend against other civilizations pursuing a Science Victory?

Use spies to sabotage their Spaceports and Industrial Zones. Form alliances with other civilizations to wage joint wars against them. You can also focus on your own science to win before they do.

7. What are the most important technologies to research early on?

Prioritize Pottery to unlock Writing and build Campuses. Then focus on technologies that improve production and unlock key buildings in your Campus districts.

8. How do I manage my empire’s Amenities in a Science game?

Amenities are crucial for city growth and science output. Build Entertainment Complexes and Water Parks, and acquire luxury resources through trade to keep your citizens happy.

9. What role does Culture play in a Science Victory?

Culture is essential for unlocking Civics, which provide powerful policies and governments that boost science. Neglecting culture can significantly hinder your progress.

10. How do I use Trade Routes effectively for Science?

Establish trade routes with civilizations that have higher tech levels to gain a science boost. Internal trade routes can also help your cities grow faster.

11. What are the key buildings to construct in my Campus districts?

Prioritize the Library and University for science generation. The Research Lab is also essential for late-game science output.

12. How important are City-States in a Science Victory?

Scientific City-States are invaluable. Becoming suzerain of one provides significant science bonuses. Sending envoys to them early and often is crucial.

13. What are the best Pantheon beliefs for a Science game?

Divine Spark (Great People generation) is an excellent choice for a Science game. Religious Settlements is also a great choice for starting quickly in the game.

14. How many cities should I aim for in a Science game?

A large empire with numerous cities is generally beneficial. Aim for around 10-15 cities by turn 100, and continue expanding strategically to secure resources and favorable locations for Campuses.

15. What is the best way to use Nikola Tesla in Civ 6?

Nicola Tesla is a Great Engineer who extends the range of regional effects of Industrial Zones. Place him in a city with a well-developed Industrial Zone to maximize his impact.

Mastering these strategies will put you on the path to a swift and satisfying Science Victory in Civilization VI. Remember, knowledge is power, and in Civ 6, power equals victory. Don’t forget that understanding the complexities of the game can be further enriched through resources like the Games Learning Society, where the intersection of gaming and education is explored. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information. Good luck, and may your science per turn always be high!