Top Leaders to Dominate Civilization VI

### 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. Civilization 6, a strategy game that challenges players to build a powerful empire from the ground up, demands strategic foresight and informed decisions when choosing a leader. With each leader offering unique bonuses and playstyles, selecting the right one can make a world of difference in your journey to global dominance. In this blog, we’ll delve into our comprehensive Civ 6 tier list, spotlighting the best leaders from the S-tier down to the A-tier. We’ll also explain our methodology in assembling this list to help you confidently guide your civilization to victory. ### S-tier #### Abraham Lincoln (America) Abraham Lincoln leads America with a distinctive combination of military prowess and infrastructure development. His ability to provide additional amenities when building industrial zones fosters an era of contented citizens, bolstering productivity at a critical phase of development. Lincoln’s leadership aligns perfectly with a strategy that balances growth and military might, making him a top contender on your path to dominance. Lincoln’s Civil War agenda introduces an intriguing dynamic focused on equality and governance. By advocating for fair policies, he enhances diplomatic relations and fosters an environment that discourages enemy aggression. For players interested in a nuanced yet formidable playstyle, Lincoln offers a versatile roadmap to victory encompassed by military and cultural milestones. #### Alexander (Macedon) Alexander the Great ensures that war weariness is never an issue for Macedon, allowing for almost constant expansion through military conquest. His unique units such as the Hypaspist and the Hetairoi ensure that you have a significant military advantage throughout the mid-game. Alexander also comes with the advantage of not being slowed down by love for peace, making aggressive expansion very viable. Playing as Alexander means you will never settle for anything less than global dominance. His ability to focus on war, without the penalties that usually come with it, makes him an unstoppable force. With his ability to cultivate Great General points at a fast pace, you are almost always set up for military victory. #### Basil II (Byzantium) Basil II hails from a tradition of imperial supremacy, wielding an arsenal of religious and military prowess. His unique agenda, built upon divine aspirations, bolsters Byzantium’s strength by converting his conquered cities. The Dromon and Tagma units introduce a powerful duo of naval and land military assets, equipping you to establish a robust Byzantine empire. The religious chessboard is where Basil II truly shines, as his synergy between faith and power enables cultural victories that other leaders struggle to achieve. Aspiring for spiritual and territorial control, Basil sets players on a quest for supremacy that builds upon both domination and diplomacy. #### Frederick Barbarossa (Germany) Frederick Barbarossa leads Germany with an industrial might that’s amplified with each additional district—and an extra military policy slot. His focus on building a powerful and efficient industry allows Germany to support a nearly unstoppable military. The ability to build Hansas instead of industrial zones provides cost and performance benefits, accelerating your civilization’s development. Barbarossa’s agenda further enhances his militaristic vein, often disliking leaders who follow a competing religion. This presents unique opportunities to leverage religious and military strategies to outmaneuver opponents. With Barbarossa, you face an exhilarating path where efficiency and power synchronize to yield unprecedented dominance. #### Hojo Tokimune (Japan) Hojo Tokimune empowers Japan with a trifecta of combat, culture, and faith bonuses. His strengths lie in boosting military units during naval engagements and provides unique adjacency bonuses for Holy Sites, Theater Squares, and Encampments. These bonuses favor a multifaceted approach, enabling expansive campaigns across cultural, religious, and military domains. Incorporating Japan’s Samurai unit adds fervor to medieval warfare, securing territorial strongholds with finesse. Hojo’s agenda continually multiplies Japan’s horizons—offering a rich, layered strategy that culminates in either cultural prowess or unfaltering conquest. #### Montezuma (Aztec) Montezuma’s leadership of the Aztec empire revolves around rapid growth and battlefield supremacy. His unique ability allows builders to be used to complete districts, fostering hyper-efficient city development. The Aztecs revel in their capability to conquer cities with powerful Eagle Warriors and sustain themselves through luxury resources. Focusing on luxury acquisition transforms Montezuma’s empire into a powerhouse of satisfied, productive citizens. This makes the Aztecs formidable in their relentless pursuit of expansion, backed by a seamless economic backbone that hinges on Montezuma’s aggressive prowess. #### Pericles (Greece) Pericles leads Greece with a democracy-driven approach, assimilating city-states into his sphere of influence. His unique Salon—a theater-centric building—and increased policy card slots enhance culture and facilitate prominent civics advancements. These advantages position Greece favorably within both diplomatic circles and the annals of culture. Pericles’ agenda thrives in cultural competition, leaving players well suited for pursuing victory through accumulated artworks and strong alliances with city-states. With a central focus on domestic growth and cultural expansion, Pericles presents a compelling strategic path for those who wish to guide the Greek city-states to intellectual and political ascendancy. #### Peter (Russia) Peter the Great directs Russia toward unparalleled cultural and scientific progress. His leadership generates substantial Great People points and offers strategic advantages through Russia’s unique districts and large territorial claims. The plentiful tundra regions, often viewed as less optimal, fuel Russian strategies with abundant production and faith. By fostering scientific and cultural development, Peter’s Russia secures an empire that remains adaptable at various stages of gameplay. Enthusiasts of rapid territorial expansion and an unyielding pursuit of progress will find Peter’s leadership invigorating—a guiding light toward both enlightenment and power. #### Seondeok (Korea) Seondeok transforms Korea into a bastion of scientific advancement and technological dominance. Her leadership grants science bonuses for each governor established in a city, amplifying Korea’s scholastic fervor. The Seowon district maintains high efficiency, further accelerating scientific research while saving precious resources. Players opting for Seondeok can develop formidable technological leads over rivals, laying the foundation for a robust empire protected by cutting-edge advancements. Her agenda detours opponents’ scientific pursuits, intertwining Korea’s destiny with innovation, literacy, and sustainable growth. #### Simón Bolívar (Gran Colombia) Simón Bolívar heralds a united Gran Colombia with streamlined military movements and a fervor for freedom. His unique Ejército Patriota ability enhances unit movement, creating a responsive and adaptable military force ready to counter any threat. Coupled with powerful Llanero units, Bolívar exemplifies a commitment to cohesive and effective strategy. Bolívar’s agenda embraces liberation and autonomy, rendering him an inspirational figurehead whose priorities align with both military ambitions and governance philosophies. By focusing on a responsive military and intellectual leadership, players can navigate multiple approaches—from conquest to culturally enriched peacemaking. #### Trajan (Rome) Trajan guides Rome with an approach that excels in infrastructure and territorial cohesion. His unique ability to start with a free building in each new city propels development, ensuring robust foundational growth for your empire. The Roman Legion and the Via Appia further solidify strategic avenues for both defensive and offensive maneuvers. Rome’s agenda, advocating peaceful tenacity, opens numerous diplomatic doors while buttressing Rome’s influence across varying domains. Trajan stands as a steadfast leader, promoting diligent expansion while fortifying his empire’s numerous integrative strengths. #### Wilfrid Laurier (Canada) Wilfrid Laurier’s leadership champions climate compassion, reinforcing Canada’s distinct appeal with tundra productivity bonuses and diplomatic supremacy. His ability to make resourceful use of previously unfavored land types delves into unique ecological strategies that complement patient empire-building. As a result, Laurier enables a synergy between cultural preservation and natural diplomacy. Laurier’s agenda emphasizes peaceful coexistence, converting relationships into collaborative ventures that bolster both cultural and diplomatic awards. By choosing Laurier, players opt for a visionary approach, consistently informed by the balance of nature and peace within their transcontinental endeavor. ### A-tier #### Amanitore (Nubia) Amanitore’s guidance of Nubia revolves around deft archery enhancements and productive potential. Building Nubian Pyramids propels your civilization forward, blending infrastructure with visionary leadership. Her approach maximizes archer units’ efficacy, offering a strong prelude to a coherent military strategy. The synergy between production and military prowess under Amanitore fosters a durable empire capable of prevailing over longstanding rivals. Focusing on district placement and unit efficiency, players can craft a civilizational narrative highlighting architectural and martial strength. #### Catherine de Medici, the Black Queen (France) Catherine de Medici envelops France with intrigue and cultural sophistication. Her leadership exploits espionage to maneuver diplomatically, augmenting access to battlefield intelligence and covert strategies. Her court boasts innovative Chateau improvements, granting expansive culture and tourism advantages—a valuable boon for culturally inclined victories. Catherine’s network of spies and cultural prowess intertwines into a compelling motif: a nation forged through intellectual finesse and clandestine encounters. With the Black Queen, players chart a path defined by shrewd diplomacy intertwined with cultural enrichment. #### Cleopatra (Egypt) Cleopatra underscores Egypt’s prowess in warfare and trade within the rich backdrop of the Nile. Her leadership thrives on attracting allies to leverage unique trade deals while deploying the iconic Chariot Archers for territorial dominance. Cleopatra’s agenda awards players who skillfully cultivate partnerships, focusing on diplomatic growth for prosperity. Her trajectory emphasizes vibrant economic landscapes, which translate into thick opportunities for capturing her opponents’ ambitions. For strategy enthusiasts looking to merge trade dynamics with fortified industry, Cleopatra delivers an inspiring vision. #### Cyrus (Persia) Cyrus of Persia highlights abrupt military expansion through swift and calculated movements. His leadership encourages surprise war bonuses and diplomatic agility, evoking the rich history of Persian conquests. Cyrus’ Immortals and rapid strategic positioning galvanize the pursuit of a relentless empire. Leading Persia, players envision a calculated dance of tactical brilliance and savvy diplomacy, where efficiency on the battlefield meets deft negotiation of international dynamics. Cyrus instills in strategists a haste to rule alongside an eye for diplomatic resolutions. #### Eleanor of Aquitaine (England) Eleanor embodies the fusion of cultural allure and political authority, governing England with an appreciation of aesthetic expression. Her leadership activates cultural pressure, transforming cities from rival empires into newfound allies. The strength of Great Works lends Eleanor unrivaled influence across her continental escapades. Eleanor’s strategy thrives on cultural magnetism, converting once-foreign cities into integrated segments of a harmonious empire. Players exploring transformative cultural victories will find Eleanor’s leadership captivating, knitting a successful empire with artistic prowess. #### Genghis Khan (Mongolia) Genghis Khan commands Mongolia through fearsome cavalry charges and strategic espionage that harness unparalleled mobility. His leadership rewards synergy between horses and intelligence, enhancing the military’s ability to subdue sprawling foes decisively. Delving into horse-based units, Genghis cultivates an atmosphere of inevitable expansion. Genghis Khan’s focus parallels a sweeping tempest where raw military might dovetails with refined intelligence networks. Mongolian power entices players who seek mastery over vast frontiers and demand relentless conquest. #### John Curtin (Australia) John Curtin leverages Australia’s geographical and production strengths, ushering in an era of resilience with a robust economy. His leadership assembles compelling military and economic strategies that amplify defenses during wartime. The Digger unit and Outback Stations propel production while solidifying Australia’s territorial stature. Curtin’s agenda enhances your empire’s prosperity, spelling both military resilience and economic resourcefulness. By embracing the economic heartbeat and power of production amplified by his leadership, strategists unlock Curtin’s promising voyage of well-rounded advancement. #### Kupe (Maori) Kupe’s stewardship of the Maori emphasizes a harmonious balance between ecology and cultural homage. Navigating civics from a seafaring start, Kupe propels his civilization with advantages across untouched lands, while cultural retention ensures both artistic and ecological impacts remain profound. He elevates playthroughs with a stark focus on sustainability and cultural integrity, shaping a unique approach to empire-building that transcends material conquest. With Kupe, players discover an innovative narrative rooted in respectful expansion. #### Matthias Corvinus (Hungary) Matthias Corvinus taps into Hungary’s militaristic zeal through comprehensive administrative and military enhancements. Adapting foreign levies, his leadership excels in unexpected expansions, realizing possible drawbacks as opportunities. His Black Army exploits Europa’s tumultuousness with bold dexterity across inclement environments. Corvinus nurtures an adaptable military platform with multifaceted outcomes hinged on unpredictable alliances and tactical prowess. Through Hungary’s flexible lens, players explore grandeur informed by curated strategies. #### Menelik II (Ethiopia) Menelik II’s Ethiopia shines through faith-infused infrastructure and strategies. Capitalizing on mountainous terrains, Menelik empowers cities with production and faith bonuses that catalyze formidable advancements in religion and technological upgrades. His strategy interweaves a tapestry of spirituality, focusing on both defense and development to elevate Ethiopia’s stature. Selecting Menelik, players embrace an environment of faith-driven initiatives filled with expansive potential that couples defensive fortitude, ultimately framing Ethiopia as unmatched in sacred ambitions. #### Pedro II (Brazil) Pedro II flourishes in Brazil’s rich environment through a lens of cultural and resource opportunities. Fostering Great People activities alongside Carnaval festivities, his leadership bridges the chasm between advancement and entertainment. Focus on the Rainforest benefits a vibrant ecosystem adept for both culture and economics. Pedro II encourages an immersive storyline where players breathe life into a synergized empire built on talent and prosperity. Experience the colorful rhythm of Brazil, claiming territory as cultural icons and heroes arise under Pedro’s vigilant watch. #### Philip II (Spain) Philip II marshals Spain into New World religious endeavors, harnessing an intricate balance between faith-driven units and an enterprising Armada. Establishing strongholds in foreign lands opens up expansive trade outlines, knitting faith and commerce into dynamic military campaigns. The strategic use of conquistadors elevates Spain’s conduit toward transcendent domination. Aspiring for both wealth and doctrine under Philip’s guidance provides players with rewarding channels from ecclesiastical placements to powerful appropriations of foreign assets. #### Saladin (Arabia) Saladin epitomizes Islamic scholarship and unyielding prowess through Arabian infrastructure milestones. He unifies science and faith, enabling profound leaps in innovation while nurturing development via the Mamluk cavalry. Saladin’s deft management of faith-backed bonuses positions Arabia within reach of a scientific zenith. Exploring Saladin greets players with calculating depth—an empire refined by labyrinthine faith merged with scientific acuteness, inviting those intrigued by expansive scholarly quests laced with technological triumphs. #### Victoria – Age of Steam Victoria leads the British Empire with a breadth of industrial might incorporated in new technological paradigms. Her prowess integrates dynamic industrial achievements with global engagements, positioning Britain favorably on both continental and naval fronts. Featuring units akin to the Redcoats seals Britain’s era of industrial growth. Victoria exemplifies an intricate dopamine of industrious ventures within the infallible embrace of regal expansion. With Victoria, players witness how to tune economic excellence amid technological revolutions toward irresistible empire legacies. ### How we assemble our Civilization 6 tier list. Assembling an authoritative Civilization 6 tier list celebrates the intricate balance of leader qualities, unique abilities, and dynamic playstyles. Our methodology stresses comprehensive evaluation, prioritizing traits that ensure success across varied victory types. Leaders with potent unit advantages, efficient urban planning, and formidable cultural or scientific tenacity earn higher tier placements. We conscientiously note deformation across historical settings, referencing player experiences and strategic coups as benchmarks distinguishing leaders who rise above competition. Time-tested engagements—alongside evolving updates—refine what embodies a top-tier leader, equipping strategists for escalations that lie ahead. ### Next Steps

Harness these insights to choose the most formidable leader for your journey through Civilization 6. Whether you aim for cultural influence or military dominance, your leader selection becomes pivotal to crafting an empire that marks history with its legacy.