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. In the expansive world of Civilization 6, each leader presents unique strategic opportunities that can significantly shift the balance of power in your favor. Whether you are crafting a military juggernaut, building a cultural paradise, or establishing a scientific utopia, the choice of leader is paramount. Our comprehensive tier list evaluates the best leaders based on their abilities, versatility, and overall impact in the game. This guide explores top-tier choices to propel your civilization to global dominance. With a myriad of leaders to choose from, our breakdown will help narrow down your options, offering keen insights into the strengths and nuances of each—a key tool for any aspiring world leader looking to outmaneuver the competition swiftly and effectively. Quick Links For those eager for immediate insights into Civilization 6’s best leaders, our quick links section connects you to the core information you need. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, these links streamline access to leader analysis, assisting in crafting cunning strategies without diving too deep into every detail. Speed up your journey to mastery with direct paths to each tip and tactic you need to know. Trending Now Civilization 6 continues to be a buzz in the gaming community, with leaders ever-evolving through updates and expansions. Our “Trending Now” highlights current hot picks and strategies that players are raving about. Stay ahead with the latest leader buffs, nerfs, and synergies that could redefine your next gaming session. The dynamic nature of the game ensures there’s always something new to learn and adapt to, and this section ensures you’re at the cutting edge. S-tier The S-tier is the pinnacle of Civilization 6, where leaders have distinct advantages that can turn the tide of a game. These leaders possess powerful abilities, units, or bonuses that make them standouts regardless of the situation. They are particularly efficient at capitalizing on their strengths to achieve victory across various playstyles. Abraham Lincoln (America) Abraham Lincoln is a powerhouse in Civilization 6, with his leader ability, “Emancipation Proclamation,” significantly boosting industrial and production capabilities. This makes Lincoln an ideal choice for those aiming to build a robust and economically secure civilization quickly. His gameplay often revolves around expanding infrastructure and creating efficient city networks that support both military and technological growth. Lincoln’s United States can become a formidable force, easily outmaneuvering rivals with an impressive military-industrial complex. Paired with America’s existing bonuses, Lincoln’s proficiency in industrial prowess allows players to rapidly amass an influential army, leveraging his production advantages to construct buildings, wonders, and units faster than others. For players who enjoy watching their cities grow into thriving metropolises while having the means to defend them effectively, Lincoln is hard to beat. Alexander (Macedon) Alexander the Great’s legacy as a military genius is well-reflected in Civilization 6. His ability eliminates war weariness and provides substantial benefits from conquests, including Great General points and healing units after city captures. This makes Alexander excellent for aggressive expansion and domination victories. Players who relish the thrill of conquest will find his style aligns perfectly with their goals as they can maintain prolonged military campaigns without detrimental impact. The ‘Hellenistic Fusion’ ability gives additional bonuses from every city taken, encouraging players to relentlessly pursue conflicts. With units that are particularly potent and capable of quick territorial enlargement, Alexander ensures that every battle fought adds not just land, but strategic advantages, cementing his place as an S-tier leader. Basil II (Byzantium) Basil II stands out with his formidable focus on religious and military synergy. His “Porphyrogénnētos” ability allows for the conversion of cities following Byzantium’s religion by military presence alone, blending holy conquest with tactical supremacy. This dual-themed gameplay offers a unique path to both religious and domination victories without heavily investing in either separately. The added bonuses from cavalry units further broaden Basil’s combat potential, providing religious spread through force. Byzantium’s inclination for warfare backed by spiritual influence makes Basil II a unique challenge but equally rewarding for those willing to harness both military might and religious fervor to achieve victory. Frederick Barbarossa (Germany) Frederick Barbarossa is an industrial titan, excelling in production and city development that primes Germany for a well-rounded playthrough. His leader ability, “Holy Roman Emperor,” grants an additional military policy slot, offering strategic flexibility. It enables players to adapt swiftly to various challenges while maintaining a focus on building up their civilization’s infrastructure. The unique advantages of Germany with extra district capacity give Frederick an edge in planning intricate city layouts that serve multiple purposes, complete with effective industrial zones and commerce hubs. This allows his civilization to become economic powerhouses, supporting a range of victory types, from technological advancements to cultural dominance. Hojo Tokimune (Japan) Hojo Tokimune offers a balanced approach between defense and cultural proliferation. Japan’s leader abilities focus on versatility in land and naval units, making Tokimune an excellent choice for those who value flexibility and strategic depth. His land units gain combat strength in coastal tiles, while encampments, holy sites, and theater districts are exceptionally efficient, thanks to decreased building costs. His versatility lies in the ability to adjust to different terrains and rapidly shift focus between military defense and cultural growth. Players who appreciate a strong defensive play combined with cultural prosperity will see the value of Tokimune’s approach to building a formidable and respected kingdom. Montezuma (Aztec) Montezuma’s leadership is built on the foundations of strength and wealth in Civilization 6. The ability to use workers to expedite the construction time of districts makes him an incredible force in the early and mid-game, setting up for a strong empire with swift progress. The Aztecs benefit from a unique unit, the Eagle Warrior, and luxury resources, which contribute to combat strength, giving Montezuma an edge over adversaries early on. This leader’s focus on utilizing luxury resources to enhance his units and cities provides a direct, tangible benefit to his civilization’s overall power. His gameplay often involves rapid expansion and the efficient establishment of new cities that can thrive quickly due to the accelerated construction provided by Montezuma’s abilities. Pericles (Greece) Pericles leads Greece with a unique focus on cultural victories and diplomatic influence. His “Surrounded by Glory” ability provides extra culture for every city-state he is suzerain of, making alliances with city-states a core part of his strategy. This ability allows for a more considerable accumulation of cultural policies and civic progress, which form the backbone of a strong diplomatic game. The Greece civilization also benefits from an additional policy slot for any government, lending increased adaptability to Pericles’ strategies. Players focusing on cultural enhancements and strategic alliances will find Pericles an invaluable leader who can milk every advantage from diplomatic engagements without sacrificing growth. Peter (Russia) Peter the Great offers significant advantages in territorial expansion and scientific acquisition. His “The Grand Embassy” ability provides science and culture from trade routes to more advanced civilizations, allowing Russia to keep pace technologically or culture-wise even when starting from a disadvantaged position. It’s ideal for those looking to catch up or surpass their rivals in key areas. Russia also benefits from larger territories with increased adjacency bonuses, leading to expansive city networks that support every victory type. Peter’s capacity to pivot between these strategies ensures his global influence is both impactful and sustainable throughout the game. Seondeok (Korea) Seondeok’s Korea is a civilization with excellent scientific prowess, with her leader ability, “Hwarang,” providing extra science and culture in universities and Seowons. Focused heavily on technology and research, this civ leaps ahead in technological advancements. Players who thrive off exploiting technological superiority will find her leadership most beneficial, creating a civilization that is a beacon of innovation and advancement. The synergy of her districts and campuses makes Korea a formidable civilization in the game’s technological race. By quickly advancing through the tech tree, Korea sets up for a science-based victory and can dominate in other areas such as culture or military with access to more advanced units and structures. Simón Bolívar (Gran Colombia) Simón Bolívar’s leadership captures the essence of mobility and military excellence in Civilization 6. His ability grants an additional movement to all units, enhancing the fluidity and responsiveness of his military forces. This makes Bolívar particularly effective in both offensive and defensive military campaigns, allowing for rapid deployment and engagement. The Llanero, Gran Colombia’s unique unit, becomes stronger with each adjacent Llanero making them formidable opponents in groups. Bolívar’s capacity to maintain tactical advantages through quick strikes and dynamic army positioning makes him an exceptional leader for conquest-focused players. Trajan (Rome) Trajan is a leader who delights in expansion and efficiency. Rome’s “Trajan’s Column” provides a free building in the form of a monument in new cities, accelerating the accumulation of culture and civic progression. His approach to leadership allows players significant leeway in building large empires quickly with minimal cultural stagnation. Rome’s roads automatically built between cities further enhance the speed at which Trajan can spread his influence. The infrastructure-based bonuses imply a more connected, efficient empire capable of sustaining rapid growth across its territories, making it possible for players to effectively manage large empires early on in the game. Wilfrid Laurier (Canada) Wilfrid Laurier introduces a peaceful yet strategic gameplay experience in Civilization 6. Canada’s ability to claim land on tundra tiles, often overlooked by other civilizations, provides an unassailable edge in territory acquisition. His leader skill, “The Last Best West,” encourages settlement on often unclaimed lands and turns the often inaccessible tundra into fortresses of productivity. Playing Canada under Laurier almost necessitates a harmonic strategy focusing on development and diplomacy. Their strengths in icy environments, coupled with unique abilities in diplomatic favor, make Canada a compelling civilization for those pushing toward diplomatic and cultural victories. A-tier The A-tier leaders, while slightly less powerful than their S-tier counterparts, are exceptionally skilled in their own rights. These leaders have strengths that are clear and formidable, making them favorites for achieving various types of victories given the right circumstances and strategic planning. Amanitore (Nubia) Amanitore of Nubia in Civilization 6 excels in district production, particularly around pyramids, which speeds up both construction and infrastructure efficiency. Her leader ability “Kandake of Meroë” gives advantages to districts built adjacent to Nubian pyramids, favoring players who prioritize layout strategy and district-specific growth. This alignment makes her strong in any victory endeavor, as cities flourish under her efficient leadership. Nubian archers and their unique improvement provide military presence with strategic defense options while aiding in rapid expansion. For players interested in a balanced approach—securing both internal growth and preparing an external threat—Amanitore offers an excellent mix, championing city development with a military edge. Catherine de Medici, the Black Queen (France) The Black Queen Catherine de Medici adds a flavor of intrigue and culture with her unique ability “Catherine’s Flying Squadron,” which provides bonus diplomatic visibility. This grants France a geopolitical edge, offering more intelligence and insight into opponents’ actions. Players who enjoy espionage and diplomacy find her abilities particularly attractive as she adds depth to the diplomatic game with increased vision. France’s cultural victory potential is strong, with added bonuses in producing great works and tourism output from wonders. Catherine’s gameplay invites players to master the subtle art of diplomacy, crafting a sophisticated civilization that outshines others in global influence without direct confrontation. Cleopatra (Egypt) Cleopatra masterfully positions Egypt for interactions and alliances in Civilization 6. Her “Mediterranean’s Bride” ability encourages external trade routes, conferring extra gold to Egypt based on their quantity. This allows Egypt to become an economic powerhouse, leveraging wealth to secure military or infrastructural augmentation. Moreover, Egypt enjoys construction benefits along river locations, emphasizing the building of a strong infrastructure with fewer production constraints. This makes Cleopatra ideal for players seeking an economic-led approach, coupling trade and development to build vast empires without heavy military engagements. Cyrus (Persia) Cyrus the Great of Persia is one of the leaders suited for players who appreciate strategic aggression. His “Fall of Babylon” ability enables surprise war declarations, providing movement bonuses and advantages all while mitigating some negative impacts typical of war engagements. It invites dynamic, sudden attacks, keeping opponents on high alert. Uniting these advantages with Persia’s unique units and infrastructure rewards players who strategically plan wars and leverage surprise tactics to disrupt others and expand borders. For those who thrive under pressure and prefer an aggressive playstyle rooted in strategic surprise, Cyrus offers the toolkit required for stunning attacks. Eleanor of Aquitaine (England) Eleanor of Aquitaine, seen both with England and France, offers transcendent gameplay centered around loyalty pressure. Her “Court of Love” ability exerts unprecedented loyalty in nearby enemy cities with each created great work, potentially flipping rival cities peacefully. This diplomatic conquest path best suits the cautious player who values tactical artistry over brutality. Eleanor’s cities brimming with cultural significance can produce continual loyalty pressure, necessitating rivals to prioritize keeping their configurations tightly knit lest they lose territory from within. Her fascinating yet subtle approach renders her a precise instrument for cultural and diplomatic mastery. Genghis Khan (Mongolia) Genghis Khan commands the Mongolian empire with a fearsome might in Civilization 6. His “Mongol Horde” skills amplify the combat potential of cavalry units, which are enhanced further by increased diplomatic visibility bonuses. This encourages swift, pragmatic strikes across enemy tiles, allowing for agile assaults and quick victories. Mongolia thrives on these mobile units and strikes a balance between speed and power. Players favoring dominant military campaigns and strategies emphasizing military might gravitate toward Genghis Khan’s capabilities, crafting an empire renowned for its overwhelming strength and conqueror’s clarity. John Curtin (Australia) John Curtin expands Australia’s potential for defense and adaptability. His “Citadel of Civilization” provides production boosts when declaring defensive wars or liberating cities, lending to an excellent defensive strategy bolstered by immediate production gain. Players who design strong defense networks find his abilities valuable for turning conflict into progress. Australia’s distinctive traits provide advantages for cities on coastal and water-adjacent tiles, making it a stellar opponent in map regions with ample water access. Curtin’s focus on homeland fortification, alongside exploitation of geographical surroundings, allows players to thrive in situations where others might struggle. Kupe (Maori) Kupe of the Maori begins Civilization 6 distinctly, starting at sea with a unique opportunity for exploration and initial strategic advantage. His blending of cultural and environmental goals through “Kupe’s Voyage” incentivizes resource-rich explorations and cultural enhancements. He pioneers early advantages in housing, amenities, culture, and faith. The Maori emphasis on land utilization and resource maximization makes Kupe exceptional for players who prefer extensive exploration first before settling. His skills focus on sustainable growth, maintaining a solid balance between environment management and cultural expansion, ensuring prosperity while honoring natural landscapes. Matthias Corvinus (Hungary) Matthias Corvinus of Hungary exemplifies the blend of diplomacy and military strength. His leader ability heightens levied units’ power, empowering those borrowed from allied city-states. This facilitates a strong military without a direct, personal army, turning alliances into formidable strategic arsenals. Such diplomatic-military synergy invites players to explore strategies focused on vibrant city-state relationships, balancing these realms for potent impacts in the game. Corvinus stands out for those wanting to manipulate political ties for military dominance while conserving homefront troops and resources. Menelik II (Ethiopia) Menelik II in Ethiopia presents remarkable faith-driven play, using religious tenets to bolster civilian technologies. His leadership enhances combat units surrounded by hills, allowing exploitation of animations for powerful territorial control. He invites religious expansion alongside militant focus, benefiting greatly from volcanic soil and adjacent hill placement. Menelik’s nuanced vision of faith, terrain, and infrastructure creates unique synergy, presenting a tactical edge for those focused on a blend of science, faith, and strategic geography. His playstyle combines esoteric elements with grounded military strategy, appealing to inventive and strategic minds. Pedro II (Brazil) Pedro II leads Brazil into global prominence through cultural and rainforest synergy. His ability, “Magnanimous,” rewards gaining and leveraging great people, strengthening Brazil’s influence in cultural affairs. The Brazilian Carnival bonus enhances points from artistry, science, and entertainment tiles, emphasizing Brazil’s vibrant cultural scene. This charisma-driven cultural approach makes Pedro prime for those fixated on cultural victories through creative brilliance. His civilization emphasizes resource management, maximization in lush terrains, and creative exploitation, thereby swiftly achieving substantial cultural feats. Philip II (Spain) Philip II unifies faith and military in Spain, focusing on religious conquest and consolidation. His “El Escorial” ability gives conversion priority to confrontation, marrying faith and militarization. Religious victories become achievable with Philip’s strategic enhancements, rewarding each religious overture with controlling victories. Spain’s armada of religious fervor empowers players to leverage religious strength in tandem with military might, translating spiritual influence into territorial gains. Players enthusiastic about drumming zeal into conquests find this leader’s capabilities ideal for faith-driven domination. Saladin (Arabia) Saladin’s leadership elevates Arabian scientific and religious potential by offering technological and educational benefits. His “Righteousness of the Faith” ensures religion-enhanced science boosts citizens’ academic progression. Combining scholastic and spiritual focuses emphasizes robust infrastructure across Arabian domains. This synthesis privileges players predisposed towards science-based play intertwined with religion, melding both for breakthroughs. His cities build towering institutions steeped in religious doctrine, allowing players to achieve scientific enlightenment peacefully or with strategic defensive might. Victoria – Age of Steam Victoria’s “Age of Steam” portrays the UK’s robust period of industrial expansion by introducing innovation-driven gameplay based on trade and growth in foreign lands. Expansions bolster productivity, leading to robust commercial prowess, yielding thriving cities and colonies. The focus on global trade, industrial innovation, and dynamic changes toward strategic territorial placement aids victories through economic, cultural, or domination concepts, depending on adjustments. For players envisioning extensive market empires, Victoria’s industrial era offers unparalleled possibilities for global supremacy. How we assemble our Civilization 6 tier list Our Civilization 6 leader tier list results from meticulous analysis and a comprehensive understanding of game mechanics. We evaluate each leader based on unique abilities, bonuses, and their broad applicability across multiple victory kinds. This includes examining how their traits synergize with a player’s preferred strategies. Playtesting and community feedback weigh on judgments, balancing opinions gathered from diverse experiences. Viewing leader performance in both specific and common scenarios provides in-depth insights into their potency and feasibility across playstyles. Consistent game updates prompt re-evaluation, ensuring relevance within Civ 6’s evolving landscape. Understanding these leaders not only enhances individual performance but collectively enlivens community strategies, encouraging adaptability and growth. Such exhaustive assessments contribute to tier lists offering nuanced perspectives to both beginners and veterans aspiring to mastery. Below is a concise summary of the Civilization 6 leaders tier list:
| S-tier | A-tier |
|---|---|
|
|
Lessons learned through exploring these dynamics highlight the importance of matching leader abilities to strategic gameplay preferences, prioritizing leaders whose strengths harmonize with specific victory conditions. By leveraging tiers and insights, players enhance their competitive edge, ensuring every session of Civilization 6 is both engaging and rewarding.
