Top Leaders to Dominate Civilization 6: A Guide to Victory

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With our Civilization 6 tier list, you can pick out the best leader and get on with claiming global dominance in almost no time at all.

As a game where strategy and adaptability are key, Civilization VI provides a diverse array of leaders, each equipped with distinct traits and abilities tailored to different playstyles. This comprehensive tier list seeks to identify which leaders possess the strongest and most versatile capabilities, enabling players to gain a significant edge early on or propel them towards victory as the game progresses. The S-tier leaders, for instance, are characterized by their ability to seamlessly integrate into various victory conditions, making them indispensable. Following them, the A-tier leaders offer strong but occasionally niche skills that can be influential when leveraged correctly. By understanding the dynamics of these different leaders, players can tailor their approaches to match the ever-changing demands of the game. This guide will explore the factors contributing to the effectiveness of each leader, examining how their unique abilities align with overarching game strategies. Whether you prefer military aggression, cultural influence, or scientific advancement, the insights provided here will assist you in selecting a leader who embodies your gameplay style and offers the best chance of conquering the world in Civilization VI.

S-tier

Abraham Lincoln (America)

Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s quintessential leaders, brings a unique mix of industrial might and cultural influence. His signature ability, ‘Emancipation Proclamation,’ grants additional production towards industrial zones and amenities, which can significantly boost your empire’s growth. This makes him particularly effective for maintaining a large standing army and rapidly spreading your influence across continents without suffering from discontentment. Alongside production, his Cultural heritage allows players to progress through the Civics tree rapidly, enhancing policy options and government functionality. Moreover, Lincoln’s synergy with the American civilization’s Film Studio feature extends the late-game cultural victory potential. His overarching appeal lies in his balanced approach, providing both architectural stability through industrial prowess and cultural expansion through landmark advancements. This makes Lincoln an excellent choice for players seeking a hybrid strategy balancing production, culture, and sometimes, military.

Alexander (Macedon)

Strategically formidable, Alexander the Great brings to Civilization VI a distinct advantage with his military prowess. His ‘To World’s End’ ability means he is never burdened by War Weariness, allowing Macedon to wage relentless campaigns without suffering from civil unrest. This trait is invaluable for players targeting a Domination Victory. It empowers you to consistently overwhelm opponents, leveraging a strong army supplemented by the unique ‘Hetairoi’ unit and Basilikoi Paides structure, which further enhances unit strength and experience gain, fostering a formidable military machine. Additionally, Alexander fosters an intriguing scientific element. Conquering a city with a campus district yields a Eureka for each technology, promoting technological advancement simultaneous with military expansion. This strategic breadth opens potential pathways for scientific dominance, proving Alexander’s worth as an adaptable leader who excels through potent combinations of conquest and research.

Basil II (Byzantium)

Known for his tactical acumen, Basil II of Byzantium is one of the most dynamic leaders, perfectly blending religious and military strategies. His unique ability, ‘Porphyrogénnētos,’ enhances heavy and light cavalry units with additional combat strength for each Holy City converted to Byzantium’s religion. This powerful feature enables players to leverage religious influence to augment military campaigns, ideal for players eyeing both Religious and Domination Victories simultaneously. Byzantium’s Tagma unit and the Hippodrome district further amplify this synergy by providing free cavalry units, galvanizing rapid military expansion. This religious-military blend allows for swift territorial growth and ensures enemies cannot isolate Byzantium’s religious expansion. Basil’s potent combination of religious fervor and cavalry dominance creates a multi-pronged approach, devastating opponents who fail to anticipate the intertwining of spiritual zeal and military aggression.

Frederick Barbarossa (Germany)

A leader of steadfast resolve and industrious ambition, Frederick Barbarossa epitomizes economic and military empowerment for Germany. His capability, ‘Holy Roman Emperor,’ grants an additional military policy slot, offering flexibility and enhanced military efficacy when crafting strategic decisions. This unique feature enhances capacity for tactical dominance over City-States via his ‘Free Imperial Cities’ boost, offering considerable advantages in both conquest and diplomacy. The U-Boat unit along with the industrial might bestowed by the Hansa district underscore Germany’s strength in both military and economic realms. Players leveraging Frederick’s leadership can embrace a domination-based strategy while maintaining a robust, self-sufficient economy. This multifaceted approach ensures Germany maintains a competitive edge throughout the game, capitalizing on unexpected opportunities for expansion and influence across the globe.

Hojo Tokimune (Japan)

A master of adaptability, Hojo Tokimune excels in providing Japan with unparalleled versatility in Civilization VI. His ability, ‘Divine Wind,’ offers combat bonuses to units on land and sea tiles adjacent to coastlines, providing excellent tactical flexibility. This strategic trait empowers Japan to both defend and attack efficiently, opening varied pathways for military dominance. Accompanying Tokimune’s military capabilities are infrastructural and cultural enhancements, notably through the abilities of the Electronics Factory and Samurai unit. The adjacency bonuses from districts like the Theater Square, Holy Site, and Encampment bolster Tokyo’s development across cultural and science victories. Tokimune’s adaptable approach enables Japan to flow seamlessly across different victory conditions, combining coastal defense with cultural initiatives for comprehensive strategic potential.

Montezuma (Aztec)

Montezuma’s leadership is synonymous with formidable early-game aggression and dominance. His unique ability, ‘Gifts for the Tlatoani,’ provides Aztec units with additional combat strength for each luxury resource, enabling powerful and rapid early expansion. This early strength allows players to establish a strong foundation and exert pressure on neighboring civilizations through advanced military units in the form of Eagle Warriors who convert defeated units into builders. Complementing this aggressive stance, Montezuma’s ability to quickly build districts with builders further accelerates development, enhancing infrastructure and cultural progression. This combination enables Montezuma to maintain his dominance well into the midgame by building up robust cities that can focus on different victory conditions over time. His dual approach of warfare and economic growth provides a dynamic pathway to success.

Pericles (Greece)

Pericles offers players an enriched cultural landscape, promoting a tactical approach to civilization development through diplomacy and cultural prestige. His leadership quality, ‘Surrounded by Glory,’ affords additional cultural achievements for each suzerainty held over City-States. This unique edge enhances cultural output, expediting progression through the Civics tree and unlocking impactful government and policy choices. Greece’s specialized districts align well with cultural ambitions, fostering enhanced diplomatic relationships. Pericles’ ability to cultivate culture emphasizes boosting Greece’s potential for a cultural victory by leveraging diplomatic influence. Combined with the Acropolis district, which increases both cultural output and adjacency bonuses, Pericles adeptly steers Greece towards becoming a cultural beacon with the potential for massive influence over global affairs.

Peter (Russia)

Leading Russia, Peter the Great is renowned for his expansive vision and enlightenment-driven approach. His ability, ‘The Grand Embassy,’ provides additional science or culture from trade routes established with more scientifically or culturally advanced civilizations. This strategic facet enables Peter to rapidly catch up or surpass rivals in critical research or cultural milestones, providing diverse opportunities for both scientific and cultural victories. Russia’s access to unique units like the Cossack and the Lavra district enhances Peter’s flexibility, offering resilience in both expansion and defense. Through rapid territory expansion facilitated by Georgia’s ‘Mother Russia’ ability, players can maximize faith and resources gained from their civilization. Peter’s well-rounded abilities emphasize engagement with other civilizations, utilizing diplomacy and strategic partnerships to elevate his global standing to unprecedented heights.

Seondeok (Korea)

With her intellectual precision, Seondeok of Korea offers unparalleled opportunities for scientific triumphs. The ability, ‘Hwarang,’ strengthens districts adjacent to the Seowon, providing additional science and culture production. This key strength lies in maximizing output of crucial resources required for research advancements, promoting Korea as a scientific powerhouse. Korea’s strategic advantage in game translates not only to scientific advances but also defensive potential. With The Hwarang boosting growth and unit efficacy, Seondeok’s strategies are geared towards an unyielding pursuit of technological mastery and global trade dominance. Her ability to merge scientific supremacy with defensive strength makes Korea adept in leadership roles focused on thriving through innovation and knowledge.

Simón Bolívar (Gran Colombia)

Simón Bolívar extends his legacy of liberation and unity to Civilization VI, where his leadership steers Gran Colombia towards both military and economic success. Bolívar’s ‘Campaña Admirable’ grants additional movement to all units, facilitating rapid deployment and tactical maneuvers, making an aggressive, fast-paced military strategy viable. Bolívar’s cavalry units further bolster this quick-strike ability, ensuring that Gran Colombia can maintain pressure across multiple fronts or respond quickly to threats. Complemented by forward-thinking economic policies, Bolívar combines strategic aggression with robust governance, offering adaptable pathways to wealth and power. His leadership is tailored to players eyeing the sweet balance between military conquests and prosperity.

Trajan (Rome)

Representing the height of the Roman Empire, Trajan emphasizes foundational prowess and infrastructure management. His ability, ‘Trajan’s Column,’ initiates new cities with an automatic free building, accelerating early growth and urban development. This characteristic facilitates Rome’s rapid expansion across the map, making Trajan advantageous for strategy focused on territorial control. Rome’s robust infrastructure is further enhanced by the Legion unit, exemplifying military durability, ensuring security and territorial integrity. From towering aqueducts to infrastructural success, Trajan’s wide-reaching influence ensures players achieve both a prosperous and cohesive empire. Serving as a launching pad for multivariate victories, Trajan embodies tactical territorial expansion with economic foresight.

Wilfrid Laurier (Canada)

As the modern champion of multiculturalism and diplomacy, Wilfrid Laurier leads Canada with gentility and savvy, excelling at cultural and diplomatic success paths. His unique ability emphasizes snow and tundra tile resourcefulness, transforming inhospitable environments into thriving cities, thus expanding territorial control where others falter. Canada’s distinctive position allows for active participation in World Congress dynamics, while safeguarding national territory through a nonaggression stance towards city-states. Laurier’s leadership is indispensable for those who value cultural finesse and diplomatic tact, all while nurturing powerful cities from harsh beginnings. His influence guides likeminded civilizations seeking to shape global policy and cultural richness.

A-tier

Amanitore (Nubia)

Under Amanitore, Nubia’s civilization hits new heights through its mastery of trade and construction. With the builder and Nubian Pitati Archer, Amanitore maximizes construction efficiency and military readiness, enabling players to secure rapid territorial advancement. Her ability ensures quick access to production-rich Nubian Pyramids, providing powerful adjacency bonuses and economic strength. Playing Nubia with Amanitore at the helm invites players to integrate rapid infrastructure development with robust military expansion. Her capability to promote early-game advantage through swift construction enables strategic positioning for both short-term encounters and long-term strategies, proving adept for science or cultural domination through infrastructural prowess.

Catherine de Medici, the Black Queen (France)

Catherine commands intrigue and knowledge with her Black Queen persona, focusing on intelligence and cultural growth. Her ‘Catherine’s Flying Squadron’ ability enhances espionage and diplomatic interactions, enabling careful observation and manipulation of global politics. The Château improvement enriches national borders, supporting both cultural and scientific victories. Her strategic brilliance lies in blending espionage practices with cultural expansion, crafting pathways to victory through indirect influence and sabotage. Catherine’s ability to subvert opposition while nurturing French culture makes her an ideal leader for players aspiring to win by stealth and subterfuge, dictating the world stage from shadows.

Cleopatra (Egypt)

Cleopatra guides Egypt using her blend of diplomacy and trade promotion, unlocking prosperity through her ability, ‘Mediterranean’s Bride.’ This strength lies in generating gold and production from trade routes with developed nations, fostering Egypt’s enduring economic advantage. Her unique units, the Maryannu Chariot Archer and Sphinx, provide additional defensive and cultural bonuses. Cleopatra’s strategic emphasis on trade allows Egypt to thrive amidst peace and prosperity, maximizing wealth for scientific or cultural pursuits. Her abilities cater to players aiming for diplomatic victories, leveraging relationships to achieve a golden age of Egyptian advancement through political and economic mastery.

Cyrus (Persia)

Embodying swift aggression and cunning diplomacy, Cyrus of Persia exemplifies tactical expertise in Civilization VI. ‘Fall of Babylon’ ability boosts movement speed and attack potency after declaring surprise wars, allowing for breathtaking territorial expansions. His quality encapsulates the unique Immortal unit and Pairidaeza tile improvement, enhancing both defensive strength and cultural development. Cyrus faces his competitors with strategic foresight, enabling perspicacious players to seize control quickly through surprise and subversion, while maintaining cultural and monetary reserves. His role facilitates avenues toward domination and culture victories, highlighting Persia’s legacy of blending warcraft with wisdom to achieve greatness.

Eleanor of Aquitaine (England)

Sophisticated and charismatic, Eleanor of Aquitaine wields an unprecedented cultural and attractions-oriented strategy. Her unique ability, ‘Court of Love,’ facilitates city loyalty flipping through great works and cultural influence, transforming rival cities without direct confrontation. Her strategic acumen shines when leveraging England’s inherent advantages: naval prowess and expansion capabilities afforded by the Royal Navy Dockyard. Eleanor offers adept players the ability to expand territorial influence peacefully or via subterfuge by nurturing extensive cultural influence, proving England’s sweetness as artistic and ideological sovereigns.

Genghis Khan (Mongolia)

Representing nomadic prowess, Genghis Khan champion’s cavalry supremacy in Civilization VI. His defining ability grants additional cavalry strength and the Mongol Horde enables faster movement, emphasizing skilled coordination and rapid territorial domination. This impacts diplomatic efforts through strong military tactics, backed by Orduus enabling more potent campaigns at sea. Genghis Khan’s adeptness in warfare supports early expansion tactics, integrating tribute from vanquished conquests with expansive empire-building. This execution of swift conquest accompanies skilled negotiation for an homage-driven empire, steering Mongolia towards entity conquest and diplomatic manipulation among rival entities.

John Curtin (Australia)

Australia’s John Curtin stands as a beacon of resilience and collaboration in Civilization VI. His distinctive ability, ‘Citadel of Civilization,’ assures Australia’s further development and retaliative production boosts when forces invade his land. This enables reinforcing defenses amidst adversity while promoting economic growth during peaceful periods. John Curtin’s infrastructure-boosting policies harness resources from Australia’s collaborative stance, maximizing keystones like scientific hubs and cultural enhancements. For players preferring defense-focused strategies or scientific approaches, Curtin directs Australia’s dynamic growth amid balancing self-reliance and mutual development globally.

Kupe (Maori)

Kupe ushers green revolution in Civilization VI with his ecological acumen harnessed through exploration and sustainability. Starting at sea with raw potential, Kupe’s unique features like the ‘Kahikatea’ offer extensive yields from unimproved woods and rainforest tiles, driving sustainable natural growth. Simultaneously, civic prowess, honed by faith, renders Kupe invaluable for players craving environmental and cultural triumphs. His inherent abilities highlight harmony within nature, orchestrating strategic expansive growth across untouched lands while maximizing Maori legacy in preserving identity through faith and environmental harmony.

Matthias Corvinus (Hungary)

As a strategic military and economic connoisseur, Matthias Corvinus channels Hungary towards vibrant expansion. ‘The Raven King’ emboldens Encampment districts with suzerain city-state bonuses, granting fast unit promotions, military advantage, and enabling Hungary’s territorial sway through unique Huszár-heavy forces. Matthias facilitates Hungarian ambitions by leveraging rapid expansion and diplomatic reach. This insight becomes crucial for early-game military campaigns, integrating military prowess complemented by cultural evolvement, strategic leveraging offers tactical acumen enveloping defiant hemisphere rises in power.

Menelik II (Ethiopia)

Resilient and resourceful, Menelik II champions Ethiopia’s survivability in Civilization VI. His ‘Council of Ministers’ ability boosts religion and faith, leveraging Ethiopia’s adjacency-based cultural advancements. Strategically harnessing faith-driven outcomes, Menelik prioritizes religious influence in advancing diplomatic fronts, ensuring multifaceted civic engagements. Menelik marries early religious objectives with Ethiopian cultural expansion, gaining strength through faith-oriented infrastructures and seeking religious victories. His prowess shines through antagonistic and cooperative relations, advancing Menelik’s vision through dogmatic priorities situating faith alongside political influence.

Pedro II (Brazil)

With refined cultural and battlefield expertise, Pedro II induces Brazilian prosperity through artistic initiative and territorial expansion. His ‘Magnanimous’ referrals position Pedro for advantageous opportunities, plundering scientific and cultural outputs after defeating rival units. Boosted by Carnival’s dynamism, alongside Brazilwood Camps, Pedro’s strategy embraces economic flourishment, encouraging comprehensive global enrichment through rich resource accumulation and welcoming celebratory cultural heraldry. His ambitious outreach offers enduring motivation towards cultural and resource victories.

Philip II (Spain)

Commanding powerful religious fervor, Philip II champions Catholic influence across territories. His ‘El Escorial’ strengthens religious units aligning zeal with conquest endeavours, enabling robust theological control and religious conversions. Philip utilizes Spain’s inherent strengths in trade and territorial possession, interlinking naval might with religious conversions to establish loyal colonies. His embodiment of Spanish religio-commercial unity affirms cultural and faith victories by merging doctrinal integrity with innovative trade routes built over vast empires flourishing globally.

Saladin (Arabia)

In Civilization VI, Saladin sustains a synthesis of religious and scientific pursuit, fostering Arabia forward. His ‘Righteousness of the Faith’ ensures adept benefits from faith-orientated production while treading strategic religious pathways. Securing theological triumphs alongside scientific advancement rests central; Saladin simultaneously propagates Arabic potency across religious and innovation-oriented pathways. This equalization advances administrators aligning geopolitical strategies through faith-centered conduct accentuating transnational reach, positioning Arabia as a profound civilization interpretable within dynamic occurrences.

Victoria – Age of Steam

Representing a transformative era, Victoria yields British industrial might, emphasizing expansion during the Age of Steam. Her strategic advantage in housing from settled cities combined with vast naval dominance promises formidable reach across continents. Victoria’s industrial supremacy spans profitable connections, emphasizing an imperial vision through multifaceted open commerce generations promoting unparalleled economic gains. As a prodigious leader, Victoria oversees prominent empirical expansion, reaffirming British colonization and manifestation through influential territorial establishment.

How we assemble our Civilization 6 tier list

To ensure accuracy and reliability for the Civilization VI tier list, rigorous assessments were conducted on each leader’s unique abilities, units, and infrastructure aspects. This process carefully aligns experiential performance data with potential strategic opportunities, verifying each underwent practical scrutiny and strategic analysis. Leaders who showcase flexibility or consistency across different game scenarios are favored, alongside assessing their alignment concerning dynamic victory conditions. Attributes such as military might, scientific prowess, cultural influence, and economic capability were cross-referenced with a civilization’s ability to adapt and evolve against shifting game landscapes. Multiplicity, versatility, and synergy significantly influence our tier placements, concentrating on strategic breadth harmonized with historical context. Tier positioning reflects these comprehensive insights, fortifying player tactical acumen across diversified game scenarios encompassing victory ambitions from domination to diplomacy.

Quick Links

The tier list offers easy navigation through quick links that direct readers to specific leader descriptions or favored strategies. Every leader entry encapsulates essential flair factors from potential edge applications, supporting streamlined access and strategic emphasis, capitalizing individual potential across the Civilization VI experience.

Trending Now

Integrating timely updates to this comprehension highlights trending shifts within the Civilization meta. Emphasizing emerging strategies, balancing updates, and player feedback, contemporary leader applicability remains relevant with ongoing Civilization VI evolutions. Adapting to dynamic community trends certifies players uphold strategic mastery regardless of evolving landscapes.

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