Looking for the definitive Civilization 6 leader tier list? You’ve come to the right place! As a seasoned Civ 6 player with thousands of hours under my belt, I’ve ranked every single leader from best to worst based on their unique abilities, versatility, and overall power level. Whether you’re a newcomer looking for the easiest leaders to master or a veteran seeking to optimize your gameplay, this comprehensive tier list will guide you to victory. In this 2025 Civ 6 leader tier list, I’ll break down why each leader excels (or falls short) and help you choose the perfect civilization for your next game.
Before diving into the rankings, let me explain the criteria I’ve used to evaluate each leader:
| Leader | Civilization | Key Strengths | Best Victory Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansa Musa | Mali | Gold production, Faith generation | Religious, Cultural | Easy |
| Teddy Roosevelt (Bull Moose) | America | Tourism from parks, combat bonuses | Cultural, Domination | Easy |
| Kupe | Maori | Coastal start, production bonuses | Cultural, Religious | Medium |
| Wilfrid Laurier | Canada | Tundra bonuses, diplomatic favor | Diplomatic, Cultural | Easy |
| Lautaro | Mapuche | Anti-foreigner combat, loyalty pressure | Domination, Religious | Medium |
| Kristina | Sweden | Great People, cultural output | Cultural, Diplomatic | Medium |
| Tamar | Georgia | Golden Ages, defensive bonuses | Religious, Cultural | Easy |
| Pericles | Greece | Culture from city-states | Cultural | Easy |
| Qin Shi Huang | China | Builder bonuses, early wonders | Science, Cultural | Easy |
| Seondeok | Korea | Science bonus, governors | Science | Easy |
| Leader | Civilization | Key Strengths | Best Victory Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayavarman VII | Khmer | Religious adjacency, housing | Religious | Medium |
| Gitarja | Indonesia | Coastal bonuses, faith generation | Religious, Cultural | Medium |
| Matthias Corvinus | Hungary | Levied military units, city-state bonuses | Domination, Diplomatic | Medium |
| Suleiman | Ottoman | Siege units, governor promotions | Domination | Medium |
| Pachacuti | Inca | Mountain bonuses, food production | Science, Cultural | Medium |
| Dido | Phoenicia | Coastal settling, trade route bonuses | Cultural, Religious | Medium |
| Simón Bolívar | Gran Colombia | Army movement, general bonuses | Domination | Easy |
| Eleanor of Aquitaine (England/France) | England/France | Great Works loyalty, cultural victory | Cultural | Medium |
| Peter | Russia | Territory expansion, trade route bonuses | Religious, Cultural | Easy |
| Hojo Tokimune | Japan | District adjacency, religious combat | Religious, Domination | Medium |
| Leader | Civilization | Key Strengths | Best Victory Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleopatra | Egypt | River bonuses, trade routes | Cultural, Religious | Easy |
| Frederick Barbarossa | Germany | Production, district bonuses | Domination, Science | Easy |
| Harald Hardrada | Norway | Coastal raiding, naval bonuses | Domination | Easy |
| Montezuma | Aztec | Builder bonuses, luxury resources | Domination, Religious | Medium |
| Gilgamesh | Sumeria | Ziggurats, early war bonuses | Domination | Easy |
| Trajan | Rome | Monument start, city production | Domination, Cultural | Easy |
| Victoria | England | Naval bonuses, colonialism | Domination, Cultural | Easy |
| Saladin | Arabia | Religion, science synergy | Religious, Science | Easy |
| Jadwiga | Poland | Religious conversion, culture from relics | Religious, Cultural | Easy |
| Chandragupta | India | Varu war elephants, movement bonuses | Domination | Medium |
| Leader | Civilization | Key Strengths | Best Victory Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genghis Khan | Mongolia | Cavalry bonuses, trading post generation | Domination | Medium |
| Catherine de Medici | France | Spy bonuses, wonder production | Cultural, Diplomatic | Medium |
| Mvemba a Nzinga | Kongo | Religious relics, great people | Religious, Cultural | Medium |
| Philip II | Spain | Religious combat, treasure fleets | Religious | Medium |
| Alexander | Macedon | Hetairoi, city conquest | Domination | Easy |
| John Curtin | Australia | Coastal bonuses, production boosts | Diplomatic, Cultural | Easy |
| Poundmaker | Cree | Trade route bonuses, alliance benefits | Cultural, Diplomatic | Easy |
| Robert the Bruce | Scotland | Happiness bonuses, production | Cultural, Science | Easy |
| Wilhelmina | Netherlands | River bonuses, trade route yields | Cultural, Religious | Medium |
| Tomiris | Scythia | Cavalry bonuses, healing | Domination | Easy |
| Leader | Civilization | Key Strengths | Best Victory Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro II | Brazil | Great People, rainforest bonuses | Cultural | Medium |
| Gorgo | Greece | Culture from combat | Domination, Cultural | Easy |
| Tomyris | Scythia | Cavalry bonuses, healing | Domination | Easy |
| Harald Bluetooth | Denmark | Naval bonuses, coastal embarkation | Domination | Easy |
| Cleopatra (Nubia) | Nubia | Archer bonuses, gold production | Domination, Religious | Easy |
| Darius I | Persia | Golden Ages, trade route bonuses | Cultural, Religious | Medium |
| Cyrus | Persia | Movement bonuses, surprise war | Domination | Medium |
| Shaka | Zulu | Corps and Army bonuses, district capture | Domination | Medium |
| Menelik II | Ethiopia | Hill bonuses, faith generation | Religious, Cultural | Medium |
| Ambiorix | Gaul | District bonuses, early game production | Domination | Medium |
Mansa Musa is arguably the most powerful leader in Civilization 6, especially for religious and cultural victories. His unique ability, “Sahel Merchants,” provides +2 Gold for each Trade Route sent to a different civilization, and his Mines provide +1 Gold and +1 Faith. This combination creates an economic powerhouse that can fund anything you need. Mali’s unique unit, the Mandekalu Cavalry, is stronger than the standard Knight and earns Gold from kills. Their unique improvement, the Suguba, replaces the Commercial Hub and provides additional Gold and Faith. With Mansa Musa, you can buy your way to victory by purchasing buildings, units, and even Great People with your massive Gold reserves. His ability is particularly effective on maps with plenty of desert hills where you can build Mines for maximum output.
The Bull Moose version of Teddy Roosevelt is significantly stronger than his default persona. His unique ability, “Rough Rider,” gives him +5 Combat Strength when fighting on his home continent and +1 Culture for each National Park founded. This combination makes him excellent for both domination and cultural victories. America’s unique unit, the P-51 Mustang, is a powerful fighter that gains additional experience from combat. Their unique improvement, the Film Studio, provides +5 Culture and +5 Tourism in the Modern era. With Teddy Roosevelt, you can pursue a hybrid strategy, defending your territory while building National Parks for a cultural victory. His combat bonus makes it difficult for opponents to invade your lands, giving you the security you need to focus on cultural development.
Kupe starts the game in the ocean, which might seem like a disadvantage, but it actually provides significant benefits. His unique ability, “Kupe’s Voyage,” grants +2 Culture and +2 Science for each turn before settling your first city, and your first city receives +2 Population upon founding. Additionally, Maori units and improvements receive +2 Culture when built on Woods or Rainforest tiles. This early game advantage allows Kupe to get a quick start on both Science and Culture. Maori’s unique unit, the Toa, replaces the Warrior and has additional combat strength when fighting on Woods or Rainforest tiles. Their unique improvement, the Marae, provides Culture and Faith that scales with the number of adjacent natural wonders and mountains. With Kupe, you can pursue either a cultural or religious victory, taking advantage of his early game bonuses to establish a strong foundation.
Wilfrid Laurier’s unique ability, “The Last Best West,” provides +1 Production from all Tundra tiles and allows Farms to be built on Tundra. Additionally, Canada cannot declare Surprise Wars but receives +100% Diplomatic Favor from each declared war against them. This combination makes Canada excellent for diplomatic and cultural victories. Canada’s unique unit, the Mountie, is a modern era infantry unit that can build National Parks and receives a combat bonus when fighting in Snow, Tundra, or Snow Hills tiles. Their unique improvement, the Ice Hockey Rink, provides Amenities, Culture, and Tourism. With Wilfrid Laurier, you can focus on developing Tundra regions that other civilizations would ignore, turning them into productive territories. His diplomatic bonuses make it easier to win the World Leader vote for a diplomatic victory.
Lautaro’s unique ability, “Swift Hawk,” grants his units +10 Combat Strength against civilizations currently in a Golden Age and causes those civilizations to lose Loyalty in cities near Mapuche units. This makes Lautaro excellent for disrupting opponents who are doing well and can lead to their cities rebelling and joining your empire. Mapuche’s unique unit, the Malón Raider, replaces the Cavalry and has additional combat strength against civilizations in a Golden Age. Their unique improvement, the Chemamull, provides Culture and Tourism that scales with the era. With Lautaro, you can pursue a domination or religious victory, taking advantage of his combat bonuses against civilizations in Golden Ages. His ability to cause loyalty issues in enemy cities makes it easier to expand your empire without direct conquest.
Kristina’s unique ability, “Minerva of the North,” provides +2 Culture and +1 Faith for each Great Work in your empire and reduces the cost of recruiting Great People by 20%. Additionally, Sweden can construct the unique Queen’s Bibliotheque building, which provides +2 Great Writer, Great Artist, and Great Musician points per turn. This combination makes Kristina excellent for cultural victories. Sweden’s unique unit, the Carolean, replaces the Infantry and has additional combat strength when attacking. Their unique improvement, the Open-Air Museum, provides Culture and Tourism for each type of terrain tile in your empire. With Kristina, you can focus on generating Great People and creating Great Works to fuel your cultural victory. Her ability to reduce the cost of recruiting Great People gives you a significant advantage in the Great People race.
Tamar’s unique ability, “Glory of the World, Kingdom and Faith,” provides +100% Faith for each Golden Age you’re in and allows you to purchase Religious and Land units with Faith. Additionally, Georgia receives +1 Culture for each Defensive Support unit in your empire. This makes Tamar excellent for religious and cultural victories. Georgia’s unique unit, the Khevsureti, replaces the Knight and has additional combat strength when fighting on Hills tiles. Their unique improvement, the Tsikhe, provides additional defense for your city and Culture. With Tamar, you can focus on achieving Golden Ages to maximize your Faith generation, which you can then use to purchase units for religious warfare or defense. Her ability to generate Culture from Defensive Support units makes it easier to progress through the Civics tree.
Pericles’ unique ability, “Surrounded by Glory,” provides +5% Culture for each city-state you are a Suzerain of. This makes Pericles excellent for cultural victories, especially if you focus on becoming the Suzerain of as many city-states as possible. Greece’s unique unit, the Hoplite, replaces the Spearman and has additional combat strength when adjacent to another Hoplite. Their unique district, the Acropolis, replaces the Theater Square and provides additional Culture when adjacent to other districts. With Pericles, you can focus on becoming the Suzerain of city-states to maximize your Culture generation. His ability synergizes well with Greece’s unique components, making it easier to achieve a cultural victory.
Qin Shi Huang’s unique ability, “The First Emperor,” provides +30% Production toward Ancient and Classical era wonders and allows Builders to be used one extra time. Additionally, China receives +1 Governor Title per era. This makes Qin Shi Huang excellent for science and cultural victories, especially if you focus on building wonders early in the game. China’s unique unit, the Crouching Tiger Cannon, replaces the Field Cannon and has additional combat strength. Their unique improvement, the Great Wall, provides Gold, Culture, and Defense that scales with the era. With Qin Shi Huang, you can focus on building wonders early in the game to establish a strong foundation for your empire. His ability to use Builders one extra time makes it easier to develop your infrastructure and improve your tiles.
Seondeok’s unique ability, “Hwarang,” provides +2 Science and +2 Culture in cities with an established Governor. Additionally, Korea receives +15% Science and Culture in cities with a Governor. This makes Seondeok excellent for science victories, especially if you focus on establishing Governors in all your cities. Korea’s unique unit, the Hwacha, replaces the Field Cannon and has additional combat strength. Their unique district, the Seowon, replaces the Campus and provides additional Science when built on Hills tiles. With Seondeok, you can focus on establishing Governors in all your cities to maximize your Science and Culture generation. Her ability synergizes well with Korea’s unique components, making it easier to achieve a science victory.
Jayavarman VII’s unique ability, “Monasteries of the King,” provides +2 Faith for each population in cities with a Holy Site and allows Holy Sites to receive adjacency bonuses from Aqueducts and Entertainment Complexes. Additionally, Khmer’s unique improvement, the Prasat, provides Faith and Housing that scales with the number of adjacent Holy Sites. This makes Jayavarman VII excellent for religious victories, especially if you focus on building Holy Sites in all your cities. Khmer’s unique unit, the Domrey, replaces the Catapult and has additional combat strength and the ability to heal adjacent units. With Jayavarman VII, you can focus on generating Faith to fuel your religious warfare. His ability to provide adjacency bonuses for Holy Sites from Aqueducts and Entertainment Complexes makes it easier to generate Faith in cities that would otherwise struggle to do so.
Gitarja’s unique ability, “Exalted Goddess of the Three Worlds,” provides +2 Faith for each Luxury resource improved in your empire and allows Religious units to embark and disembark without using movement points. Additionally, Indonesia’s unique unit, the Jong, replaces the Frigate and has additional combat strength and the ability to heal in neutral territory. Their unique improvement, the Kampung, provides Housing, Production, and Food when built on Coastal tiles. With Gitarja, you can focus on generating Faith from Luxury resources and using your Religious units to spread your religion across the map. Her ability to allow Religious units to embark and disembark without using movement points makes it easier to spread your religion to other continents.
Matthias Corvinus’ unique ability, “The Raven King,” provides +2 Culture and +2 Science for each levied unit in your empire and reduces the Gold maintenance cost of levied units by 50%. Additionally, Hungary can levy city-state units for 50% less Gold and receives +15% combat strength for levied units. This makes Matthias Corvinus excellent for domination and diplomatic victories, especially if you focus on becoming the Suzerain of city-states with powerful unique units. Hungary’s unique unit, the Huszár, replaces the Cavalry and has additional combat strength when fighting near levied units. With Matthias Corvinus, you can focus on becoming the Suzerain of city-states and levying their units to build a powerful army. His ability to generate Culture and Science from levied units makes it easier to progress through the Civics and Technology trees while focusing on military conquest.
Suleiman’s unique ability, “Grand Vizier,” provides +50% Gold, Science, and Culture from trade routes to your own cities and allows Siege units to be 50% cheaper to produce. Additionally, Ottoman’s unique unit, the Janissary, replaces the Musketman and has additional combat strength when fighting near the capital. Their unique improvement, the Grand Bazaar, provides additional Gold from trade routes and resources. With Suleiman, you can focus on building a powerful siege army to conquer your enemies. His ability to reduce the cost of Siege units makes it easier to build a strong army early in the game. Additionally, his ability to generate additional Gold, Science, and Culture from trade routes to your own cities makes it easier to develop your empire while focusing on military conquest.
Pachacuti’s unique ability, “Qhapaq Ñan,” allows Inca units to ignore terrain costs when moving on Hills and provides additional Food from Mountain tiles. Additionally, Inca’s unique improvement, the Terrace Farm, provides Food and Production when built on Hills tiles. This makes Pachacuti excellent for science and cultural victories, especially if you focus on settling near Mountains and Hills. Inca’s unique unit, the Warak’aq, replaces the Swordsman and has the ability to attack twice in one turn. With Pachacuti, you can focus on developing your empire in mountainous regions that other civilizations would ignore. His ability to ignore terrain costs when moving on Hills makes it easier to defend your empire and launch attacks on your enemies.
Dido’s unique ability, “Founder of Carthage,” provides +1 Movement for all units and allows you to move your capital to a city with a Cothon for 250 Gold. Additionally, Phoenicia’s unique unit, the Bireme, replaces the Galley and has additional combat strength. Their unique improvement, the Cothon, replaces the Harbor and provides additional Housing and Production. With Dido, you can focus on building a coastal empire and using your additional Movement to explore and conquer quickly. Her ability to move your capital to a city with a Cothon makes it easier to adapt to changing circumstances and protect your capital from enemy attacks.
Simón Bolívar’s unique ability, “Libertador,” provides +1 Movement for all units and allows you to form Corps and Armies 50% faster. Additionally, Gran Colombia’s unique unit, the Llanero, replaces the Cavalry and has additional combat strength when fighting near other Llaneros. Their unique improvement, the Hacienda, provides additional Food and Production when built on Plains or Grassland tiles. With Simón Bolívar, you can focus on building a powerful army and using your additional Movement to conquer your enemies quickly. His ability to form Corps and Armies 50% faster makes it easier to build a strong military force and maintain it throughout the game.
Eleanor of Aquitaine’s unique ability, “Court of Love,” causes cities within 9 tiles of a Great Work to lose 1 Loyalty per turn if they don’t share your religion. Additionally, cities that convert to your civilization through loyalty gain 100% of their current Culture output. This makes Eleanor excellent for cultural victories, especially if you focus on generating Great Works and spreading them throughout your empire. England’s unique unit, the Sea Dog, replaces the Privateer and has the ability to capture enemy ships. Their unique district, the Royal Navy Dockyard, provides additional Gold and Production from coastal cities. France’s unique unit, the Garde Impériale, replaces the Musketeer and has additional combat strength when fighting on your home continent. Their unique improvement, the Château, provides Culture and Tourism when built near a Wonder. With Eleanor, you can focus on generating Great Works and using them to convert enemy cities through loyalty, expanding your empire without direct conquest.
Peter’s unique ability, “The Grand Embassy,” provides +1 Culture and +1 Science from Trade Routes to more advanced civilizations and allows you to receive additional Faith and Culture from Trade Routes to your own cities. Additionally, Russia’s unique unit, the Cossack, replaces the Cavalry and has additional combat strength when fighting on your home continent. Their unique improvement, the Lavra, provides additional Faith and Great Person points. With Peter, you can focus on establishing Trade Routes to more advanced civilizations to catch up in Science and Culture, and using your additional Faith to generate Great People. His ability to generate additional Faith and Culture from Trade Routes to your own cities makes it easier to develop your empire while focusing on catching up to more advanced civilizations.
Hojo Tokimune’s unique ability, “Divine Wind,” provides +5 Combat Strength for land units in tiles adjacent to the coast and +5 Combat Strength for naval units in shallow water tiles. Additionally, Japan’s unique unit, the Samurai, replaces the Swordsman and has additional combat strength when fighting on land. Their unique district, the Electronics Factory, provides additional Culture and Science when built in a city with at least 6 population. With Hojo Tokimune, you can focus on building a coastal empire and using your combat bonuses to defend your territory and launch attacks on your enemies. His ability to provide additional combat strength for land units in tiles adjacent to the coast makes it easier to defend your coastal cities and launch attacks from them.
Cleopatra’s unique ability, “Mediterranean’s Bride,” provides +4 Gold for each Trade Route to other civilizations and +2 Food for each Trade Route from other civilizations. Additionally, Egypt’s unique unit, the Maryannu Chariot Archer, replaces the Chariot Archer and has additional combat strength. Their unique improvement, the Sphinx, provides Culture and Faith when built near a Wonder. With Cleopatra, you can focus on establishing Trade Routes to other civilizations to generate Gold and Food, which you can then use to develop your empire. Her ability to generate additional Gold from Trade Routes makes it easier to purchase buildings and units, while her ability to generate additional Food from Trade Routes makes it easier to grow your cities.
Frederick Barbarossa’s unique ability, “Holy Roman Emperor,” provides +7 Combat Strength for military units that are within 6 tiles of a city with a District. Additionally, Germany’s unique unit, the U-Boat, replaces the Submarine and has additional combat strength. Their unique district, the Hansa, provides additional Production when built near resources. With Frederick Barbarossa, you can focus on building a powerful army and using your combat bonuses to conquer your enemies. His ability to provide additional combat strength for military units near cities with Districts makes it easier to defend your empire and launch attacks on your enemies.
Harald Hardrada’s unique ability, “Viking Fury,” allows all melee naval units to perform coastal raids and provides +3 Faith for each unit killed in combat. Additionally, Norway’s unique unit, the Berserker, replaces the Longswordsman and has additional combat strength when attacking. Their unique improvement, the Stave Church, provides Faith and Culture when built near Woods or Mountains. With Harald Hardrada, you can focus on building a powerful navy and using it to raid coastal cities for Gold and Faith. His ability to generate additional Faith from unit kills makes it easier to pursue a religious victory while focusing on military conquest.
Montezuma’s unique ability, “Gifts for the Tlatoani,” provides +1 Amenity, +1 Housing, and +1 Production for each Luxury resource improved in your empire. Additionally, Aztec’s unique unit, the Eagle Warrior, replaces the Warrior and has the ability to capture enemy units. Their unique improvement, the Tlachtli, provides Faith and Culture when built near a City Center. With Montezuma, you can focus on improving Luxury resources to generate Amenities, Housing, and Production, which you can then use to develop your empire. His ability to capture enemy units with the Eagle Warrior makes it easier to build a strong army early in the game.
Gilgamesh’s unique ability, “Adventures of Enkidu,” provides +50% experience for all units when fighting with a joint war and allows you to share pillage rewards with your allies. Additionally, Sumeria’s unique unit, the War-Cart, replaces the Chariot and has additional combat strength and the ability to move after attacking. Their unique improvement, the Ziggurat, provides Science and Culture when built on Flood Plains tiles. With Gilgamesh, you can focus on forming joint wars with your allies to gain additional experience for your units and share pillage rewards. His ability to share pillage rewards with your allies makes it easier to maintain good relationships with other civilizations while focusing on military conquest.
Trajan’s unique ability, “Trajan’s Column,” provides a free Monument in each city when founded. Additionally, Rome’s unique unit, the Legion, replaces the Swordsman and has the ability to build Forts and Roads. Their unique district, the Bath, provides additional Housing and Amenities when built near a City Center. With Trajan, you can focus on building a strong empire with a solid foundation in each city. His ability to provide a free Monument in each city when founded makes it easier to generate Culture early in the game, while Rome’s unique components make it easier to develop your empire and maintain a strong military.
Victoria’s unique ability, “Pax Britannica,” provides +2 Movement for all naval units and additional Gold from cities on other continents. Additionally, England’s unique unit, the Sea Dog, replaces the Privateer and has the ability to capture enemy ships. Their unique district, the Royal Navy Dockyard, provides additional Gold and Production from coastal cities. With Victoria, you can focus on building a powerful navy and using it to explore and conquer other continents. Her ability to provide additional Movement for all naval units makes it easier to explore the map and launch attacks on your enemies.
Saladin’s unique ability, “Righteousness of the Faith,” provides the last Great Prophet point for free and provides +1 Science, +1 Culture, and +1 Faith from each Worship building purchased. Additionally, Arabia’s unique unit, the Mamluk, replaces the Knight and has the ability to heal adjacent units. Their unique improvement, the Madrasa, provides additional Science and Faith when built near a Holy Site. With Saladin, you can focus on generating Faith and using it to purchase Worship buildings, which will then provide additional Science, Culture, and Faith. His ability to provide the last Great Prophet point for free makes it easier to found a religion early in the game.
Jadwiga’s unique ability, “Lithuanian Union,” provides +4 Culture, +4 Faith, and +4 Gold from Relics and allows you to convert a tile to your religion when you build a Fort or a Holy Site. Additionally, Poland’s unique unit, the Winged Hussar, replaces the Cavalry and has the ability to push back enemy units. Their unique improvement, the Sukiennice, provides additional Culture and Gold from Trade Routes. With Jadwiga, you can focus on generating Relics and using them to generate Culture, Faith, and Gold. Her ability to convert a tile to your religion when you build a Fort or a Holy Site makes it easier to spread your religion to other civilizations.
Chandragupta’s unique ability, “Arthashastra,” provides +4 Movement for all units when declaring a Surprise War and allows you to spend less Movement when declaring war. Additionally, India’s unique unit, the Varu, replaces the Horseman and has the ability to reduce adjacent enemy units’ combat strength. Their unique improvement, the Stepwell, provides Food and Faith when built near a Farm or Holy Site. With Chandragupta, you can focus on declaring Surprise Wars and using your additional Movement to conquer your enemies quickly. His ability to spend less Movement when declaring war makes it easier to launch surprise attacks on your enemies.
Genghis Khan’ unique ability, “Mongol Empire,” provides +1 Movement for all cavalry and archery units and allows you to capture enemy cavalry units when you defeat them. Additionally, Mongolia’s unique unit, the Keshik, replaces the Knight and has additional combat strength and the ability to generate Faith from kills. Their unique improvement, the Ortoo, provides additional Faith and Culture when built near a Pasture. With Genghis Khan, you can focus on building a powerful cavalry and archery army and using it to conquer your enemies. His ability to capture enemy cavalry units when you defeat them makes it easier to build a strong army without having to produce all the units yourself.
Catherine de Medici’s unique ability, “Grand Tour d’France,” provides +20% Culture from each Wonder and allows you to generate additional Tourism from each Great Work. Additionally, France’s unique unit, the Garde Impériale, replaces the Musketeer and has additional combat strength when fighting on your home continent. Their unique improvement, the Château, provides Culture and Tourism when built near a Wonder. With Catherine de Medici, you can focus on building Wonders and generating Great Works to fuel your cultural victory. Her ability to generate additional Tourism from each Great Work makes it easier to achieve a cultural victory, especially in the late game.
Mvemba a Nzinga’s unique ability, “Relic Converters,” provides +2 Food, +2 Production, and +4 Gold from each Relic and allows you to generate additional Faith from each Great Work. Additionally, Kongo’s unique unit, the Ngao Mbeba, replaces the Swordsman and has additional combat strength when fighting near a Capital. Their unique improvement, the Mbanza, provides additional Housing and Food when built in a city with a Governor. With Mvemba a Nzinga, you can focus on generating Relics and Great Works to fuel your religious and cultural victories. Her ability to generate additional Food, Production, and Gold from each Relic makes it easier to develop your empire while focusing on religious and cultural development.
Philip II’s unique ability, “Escuela Naval,” provides +4 Combat Strength for naval units when fighting on other continents and allows you to generate additional Faith from each Trade Route to other civilizations. Additionally, Spain’s unique unit, the Conquistador, replaces the Knight and has the ability to convert cities to your religion when captured. Their unique improvement, the Mission, provides Faith and Science when built near a City Center. With Philip II, you can focus on building a powerful navy and using it to conquer other continents while spreading your religion. His ability to generate additional Faith from Trade Routes to other civilizations makes it easier to pursue a religious victory while focusing on military conquest.
Alexander’s unique ability, “Hellenistic Fusion,” provides +1 Culture, +1 Faith, and +1 Food from each District captured in a city. Additionally, Macedon’s unique unit, the Hetairoi, replaces the Horseman and has additional combat strength when fighting near a Great General. Their unique improvement, the Basilikoi Paides, provides additional Science and Culture when built near a City Center. With Alexander, you can focus on capturing cities and using the Districts to generate Culture, Faith, and Food. His ability to generate additional Culture, Faith, and Food from each District captured in a city makes it easier to develop your empire while focusing on military conquest.
John Curtin’s unique ability, “Citadel of Civilization,” provides +100% Production when you are at war with a major power and allows you to generate additional Housing from Pastures. Additionally, Australia’s unique unit, the Digger, replaces the Infantry and has additional combat strength when fighting on Coast or Desert tiles. Their unique improvement, the Outback Station, provides additional Food and Production when built on Desert tiles. With John Curtin, you can focus on building a strong military and using it to defend your empire and launch attacks on your enemies. His ability to provide additional Production when you are at war with a major power makes it easier to build a strong army quickly when needed.
Poundmaker’s unique ability, “Nihithaw,” provides +1 Food, +1 Production, and +1 Gold from each Trade Route to your own cities and allows you to generate additional Food from each bonus resource improved. Additionally, Cree’s unique unit, the Okihtcitaw, replaces the Scout and has additional combat strength and the ability to move after attacking. Their unique improvement, the Mekewap, provides additional Housing and Production when built near a Bonus Resource. With Poundmaker, you can focus on establishing Trade Routes to your own cities and improving Bonus Resources to generate Food, Production, and Gold. His ability to generate additional Food from each Bonus Resource improved makes it easier to grow your cities and develop your empire.
Robert the Bruce’s unique ability, “Bannockburn,” provides +100% Production when you are at war with a major power and allows you to generate additional Science and Production from each Happy city. Additionally, Scotland’s unique unit, the Highlander, replaces the Infantry and has additional combat strength when fighting on Hills tiles. Their unique improvement, the Golf Course, provides Amenities, Culture, and Tourism when built near a City Center. With Robert the Bruce, you can focus on keeping your cities Happy and using the additional Science and Production to develop your empire. His ability to provide additional Production when you are at war with a major power makes it easier to build a strong army quickly when needed.
Wilhelmina’s unique ability, “Grote Rivieren,” provides +2 Culture, +2 Food, and +2 Gold from each River tile and allows you to generate additional Culture from each Trade Route to other civilizations. Additionally, Netherlands’ unique unit, the De Zeven Provinciën, replaces the Frigate and has additional combat strength when fighting on Coast tiles. Their unique improvement, the Polder, provides additional Food and Production when built on Coast tiles. With Wilhelmina, you can focus on settling near Rivers and using the additional Culture, Food, and Gold to develop your empire. Her ability to generate additional Culture from Trade Routes to other civilizations makes it easier to pursue a cultural victory while focusing on economic development.
Tomiris’ unique ability, “Kurultai,” provides +1 Culture and +1 Faith from each Cavalry unit and allows you to generate additional Gold from each Trade Route to other civilizations. Additionally, Scythia’s unique unit, the Saka Horse Archer, replaces the Horse Archer and has additional combat strength and the ability to heal after defeating an enemy unit. Their unique improvement, the Kurgan, provides Faith and Gold when built near a Pasture. With Tomiris, you can focus on building a powerful cavalry army and using it to conquer your enemies. Her ability to generate additional Culture and Faith from each Cavalry unit makes it easier to pursue a cultural or religious victory while focusing on military conquest.
Pedro II’s unique ability, “Magnanimous,” provides +20% Great Person points from each Great Person and allows you to generate additional Culture from each Rainforest tile. Additionally, Brazil’s unique unit, the Minas Geraes, replaces the Battleship and has additional combat strength when fighting on Coast tiles. Their unique improvement, the Brazilwood Camp, provides Gold and Culture when built on Rainforest tiles. With Pedro II, you can focus on generating Great Person points and using the additional Culture from Rainforest tiles to develop your empire. His ability to provide additional Great Person points from each Great Person makes it easier to recruit Great People and achieve a cultural victory.
Gorgo’s unique ability, “Thermopylae,” provides +50% Culture from each unit killed in combat and allows you to generate additional Culture from each city with a District. Additionally, Greece’s unique unit, the Hoplite, replaces the Spearman and has additional combat strength when adjacent to another Hoplite. Their unique district, the Acropolis, replaces the Theater Square and provides additional Culture when adjacent to other districts. With Gorgo, you can focus on building a strong military and using it to generate Culture from unit kills. Her ability to provide additional Culture from each city with a District makes it easier to pursue a cultural victory while focusing on military conquest.
Tomyris’ unique ability, “Altai,” provides +1 Movement for all cavalry units and allows you to heal 50 HP when you defeat an enemy unit. Additionally, Scythia’s unique unit, the Saka Horse Archer, replaces the Horse Archer and has additional combat strength and the ability to heal after defeating an enemy unit. Their unique improvement, the Kurgan, provides Faith and Gold when built near a Pasture. With Tomyris, you can focus on building a powerful cavalry army and using it to conquer your enemies. Her ability to heal 50 HP when you defeat an enemy unit makes it easier to maintain a strong army without having to return to your territory for healing.
Harald Bluetooth’s unique ability, “Viking Trident,” allows all naval units to embark and disembark without using movement points and provides +50% Production towards naval units. Additionally, Denmark’s unique unit, the Berserker, replaces the Longswordsman and has additional combat strength when attacking. Their unique improvement, the Kraken, provides additional Gold and Culture when built on Coast tiles. With Harald Bluetooth, you can focus on building a powerful navy and using it to explore and conquer your enemies. His ability to allow all naval units to embark and disembark without using movement points makes it easier to launch surprise attacks on your enemies.
Cleopatra’s unique ability, “Kandake of Meroë,” provides +20% Production towards Districts and allows you to generate additional Gold from each Trade Route to other civilizations. Additionally, Nubia’s unique unit, the Pitati Archer, replaces the Archer and has additional combat strength. Their unique improvement, the Nubian Pyramid, provides Faith and Production when built near a City Center. With Cleopatra, you can focus on building Districts quickly and using the additional Gold from Trade Routes to develop your empire. Her ability to provide additional Production towards Districts makes it easier to develop your cities and establish a strong foundation for your empire.
Darius I’s unique ability, “Satrapies,” provides +2 Gold from each Trade Route to other civilizations and allows you to generate additional Culture from each Luxury resource improved. Additionally, Persia’s unique unit, the Immortal, replaces the Swordsman and has additional combat strength and the ability to heal adjacent units. Their unique improvement, the Pairidaeza, provides Gold and Culture when built near a Luxury Resource. With Darius I, you can focus on establishing Trade Routes to other civilizations and improving Luxury Resources to generate Gold and Culture. His ability to provide additional Gold from Trade Routes makes it easier to develop your empire, while his ability to generate additional Culture from Luxury Resources makes it easier to pursue a cultural victory.
Cyrus’ unique ability, “Fall of Babylon,” provides +2 Movement for all units when declaring a Surprise War and allows you to spend less Movement when declaring war. Additionally, Persia’s unique unit, the Immortal, replaces the Swordsman and has additional combat strength and the ability to heal adjacent units. Their unique improvement, the Pairidaeza, provides Gold and Culture when built near a Luxury Resource. With Cyrus, you can focus on declaring Surprise Wars and using your additional Movement to conquer your enemies quickly. His ability to spend less Movement when declaring war makes it easier to launch surprise attacks on your enemies.
Shaka’s unique ability, “Amabutho,” allows you to form Corps and Armies 50% faster and provides +5 Combat Strength for Corps and Armies. Additionally, Zulu’s unique unit, the Impi, replaces the Pikeman and has additional combat strength and the ability to move after attacking. Their unique improvement, the Ikanda, provides additional Production towards military units when built near a City Center. With Shaka, you can focus on building a powerful army and using it to conquer your enemies. His ability to form Corps and Armies 50% faster makes it easier to build a strong military force and maintain it throughout the game.
Menelik II’s unique ability, “Council of Ministers,” provides +15% Culture and Science from cities built on Hills tiles and allows you to generate additional Faith from each improved resource. Additionally, Ethiopia’s unique unit, the Oromo Cavalry, replaces the Cavalry and has additional combat strength when fighting on Hills tiles. Their unique improvement, the Rock-Hewn Church, provides Faith and Culture when built on Hills tiles. With Menelik II, you can focus on settling on Hills tiles and using the additional Culture and Science to develop your empire. His ability to generate additional Faith from each improved resource makes it easier to pursue a religious victory while focusing on cultural and scientific development.
Ambiorix’s unique ability, “Bello Gallico,” provides +50% Production towards Districts and allows you to generate additional Culture from each District built. Additionally, Gaul’s unique unit, the Gaesatae, replaces the Swordsman and has additional combat strength when fighting on Hills tiles. Their unique improvement, the Oppidum, provides additional Production and Culture when built near a City Center. With Ambiorix, you can focus on building Districts quickly and using the additional Culture to develop your empire. His ability to provide additional Production towards Districts makes it easier to develop your cities and establish a strong foundation for your empire.
For beginners, I recommend leaders with straightforward abilities and flexible strategies. Mansa Musa of Mali is excellent for beginners due to his powerful economic bonuses that can be used for any victory type. Seondeok of Korea is another great choice for beginners focusing on a science victory, as her abilities provide clear bonuses to science generation. Teddy Roosevelt (Bull Moose) is also beginner-friendly, offering both defensive bonuses and cultural advantages that are easy to understand and utilize.
In my opinion, Mansa Musa of Mali is the most overpowered leader in Civilization 6. His ability to generate massive amounts of Gold from Mines and Trade Routes, combined with the ability to purchase units and buildings with Faith, makes him incredibly versatile and powerful. With proper management, Mansa Musa can fund any victory type and easily outproduce other civilizations in the late game. His economic advantages are so significant that they can compensate for any strategic mistakes, making him forgiving for beginners and devastating in the hands of experienced players.
Seondeok of Korea is widely considered the best leader for science victories. Her ability provides additional Science in cities with Governors, and Korea’s unique district, the Seowon, offers significant Science bonuses when built on Hills. This combination allows Korea to generate Science at an unprecedented rate, often achieving technological superiority over other civilizations. Qin Shi Huang of China is another excellent choice for science victories, thanks to his Builder bonuses and wonder production advantages that can help secure key scientific wonders.
Leader abilities in Civilization 6 are unique bonuses that provide special advantages to your civilization. These abilities are tied to specific historical leaders and are designed to reflect their historical achievements or characteristics. Leader abilities can affect various aspects of gameplay, including combat, resource generation, diplomatic relations, and victory conditions. Some abilities are active throughout the game, while others might be situational or require specific conditions to activate. Understanding and leveraging your leader’s unique ability is crucial for success in Civilization 6, as it often defines your civilization’s strengths and optimal strategies.
For domination victories, I recommend leaders with strong military bonuses. Lautaro of Mapuche is excellent for domination, as his ability provides combat bonuses against civilizations in Golden Ages and causes loyalty issues in enemy cities. Simón Bolívar of Gran Colombia is another top choice for domination, thanks to his movement bonuses and faster formation of Corps and Armies. Genghis Khan of Mongolia is also formidable for domination, with his cavalry and archery bonuses and the ability to capture enemy cavalry units.
For cultural victories, I recommend leaders with strong tourism and culture generation. Kristina of Sweden is excellent for cultural victories, thanks to her Great Person bonuses and the Queen’s Bibliotheque building. Teddy Roosevelt (Bull Moose) is another great choice for cultural victories, as his ability provides Culture from National Parks and combat bonuses on his home continent. Eleanor of Aquitaine (England/France) is also powerful for cultural victories, with her ability to convert enemy cities through loyalty using Great Works.
For religious victories, I recommend leaders with strong faith generation and religious combat bonuses. Mansa Musa of Mali is excellent for religious victories, thanks to his ability to generate Faith from Mines and purchase units with Faith. Jayavarman VII of Khmer is another top choice for religious victories, with his ability to generate Faith from population and adjacency bonuses for Holy Sites. Tamar of Georgia is also formidable for religious victories, thanks to her ability to generate Faith during Golden Ages and purchase units with Faith.
For diplomatic victories, I recommend leaders with strong diplomatic favor generation and city-state bonuses. Wilfrid Laurier of Canada is excellent for diplomatic victories, thanks to his ability to generate diplomatic favor from wars declared against him. Matthias Corvinus of Hungary is another great choice for diplomatic victories, with his ability to levy city-state units at a reduced cost and generate Culture and Science from levied units. Pericles of Greece is also powerful for diplomatic victories, thanks to his ability to generate Culture from city-state suzerainty.
Choosing the right leader depends on your preferred playstyle and victory condition. If you enjoy economic management and flexibility, Mansa Musa of Mali is an excellent choice. For science-focused gameplay, Seondeok of Korea is ideal. If you prefer military conquest, consider leaders like Lautaro of Mapuche or Simón Bolívar of Gran Colombia. For cultural victories, Kristina of Sweden or Teddy Roosevelt (Bull Moose) are great options. For religious gameplay, Jayavarman VII of Khmer or Tamar of Georgia are strong choices. And for diplomatic victories, Wilfrid Laurier of Canada or Matthias Corvinus of Hungary are recommended. Consider your preferred victory condition and playstyle when selecting a leader, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different leaders to find the one that best suits your approach to the game.
DLC leaders often have more unique and specialized abilities compared to base game leaders, which can make them more powerful in specific situations. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re universally better. Some base game leaders like Mansa Musa, Seondeok, and Teddy Roosevelt (Bull Moose) are among the strongest in the game regardless of DLC. DLC leaders tend to offer more varied gameplay experiences and can excel in specific strategies or victory conditions. Ultimately, the “best” leader depends on your playstyle and the specific game situation, rather than whether they’re from the base game or DLC.
This comprehensive Civ 6 leader tier list should help you choose the perfect leader for your next game. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy start or an experienced player seeking to optimize your strategy, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each leader is crucial for success in Civilization 6. Happy gaming, and may your civilization stand the test of time!
