In Civilization VI, achieving a Domination Victory entails creating a formidable military force capable of dismantling cities and overcoming strong enemy defenses throughout your campaign. This type of victory can pose significant challenges, particularly if players select a leader ill-suited for military conquest. Certain leaders, like Shaka of the Zulu or Genghis Khan of Mongolia, inherently possess military advantages, while others may require a bit more strategy to utilize effectively.
To accomplish a Domination Victory, players need to seize the capital city of each civilization. This task, deceptively straightforward, becomes more complex without a leader focused on military tactics, making it particularly challenging for newcomers to Civ VI. Although building a strong army is paramount, players must also leverage advancements in Science & Technology, engage in effective Diplomacy, and maintain Entertainment within their empire. Here’s an overview of the most effective leaders for achieving a Domination Victory in Civilization VI.
10. Frederick Barbarossa of the German Empire
A Unique Ability to Enhance Combat Strength
Frederick Barbarossa offers a solid choice for players aiming for a Domination Victory, primarily due to his unique ability, which provides an additional Military policy slot along with a significant +7 boost to Combat Strength when attacking city-states. Additionally, Germany excels in Production, thanks to the unique Hansa district that replaces the Industrial Zone and yields superior adjacency bonuses, allowing for the rapid generation of military units alongside district construction.
Barbarossa’s Free Imperial Cities ability enables players to construct one extra district per population, thereby enhancing city strength and defense while amassing an extensive army. Notably, Germany’s potent modern U-Boat gains visibility over stealth units and receives a Combat Strength bonus when engaged in Ocean combat.
9. Alexander of Macedonia
‘To The World’s End’ Ability Is Highly Beneficial
Thanks to Alexander’s unique ability, “To the World’s End,”Macedonian cities do not suffer from war weariness, granting a crucial advantage in the pursuit of a Domination Victory. Furthermore, military units fully heal when capturing cities containing world wonders, which becomes increasingly advantageous in later eras as opponents build more wonders. Macedonia’s military strategy synergizes with scientific research, facilitated through the Hellenistic Fusion ability and the Basilikoi Paides building.
The Hellenistic Fusion grants Inspirations and/or Eurekas for conquering cities based on their district types. Additionally, the Basilikoi Paides building enhances combat experience by 25% for units trained there and rewards a Science gain equal to 25% of the cost of military and non-civilian units, boosting resource capabilities.
8. Shaka from the Zulu Empire
Strong Military Focus on Corps & Army Development
Shaka leads the Zulu Empire with a pronounced focus on forming Corps and Armies. His Amabutho ability permits early Corps and Army formation, unlocked through the Mercenaries and Nationalism Civics, while providing a +5 Combat Strength increase for these units. Moreover, the Isibongo feature grants a +3 Loyalty boost to cities with stationed units, which can increase to +5 with Corps or Armies, automatically upgrading captured units.
The Ikanda district advantages the Zulu’s military expansion, facilitating quick Corps and Army establishment as soon as the needed Civic or Technology prerequisites are met. Corps and Armies benefit from accelerated construction in this district, leading to the development of vast military forces ready to support Domination strategies.
7. Basil II from the Byzantine Empire
Benefits from the Unique Hippodrome District
Basil II’s Byzantine Empire excels during wartime, thanks to the Hippodrome district, which ensures sufficient Amenities to mitigate war weariness penalties. His ability, Porphyrogénnétos, lets Heavy and Light cavalry units deal full damage against cities adhering to the player’s religion, unlocking the unique Tagma unit—a powerful Medieval Knight replacement that boosts nearby units’ Combat Strength by +4. Furthermore, the Dromon naval unit is effective for early military power demonstrations.
6. Simon Bolivar from Gran Columbia
Leverage More Great Generals for Easier Victories
As the leader of Gran Columbia, Simón Bolívar introduces a unique Great Person—Comandante General—ideal for Domination strategies. Players earn one Comandante General with the onset of each era, coming with distinct abilities that can positively influence battles. Unlike standard Great Generals, Comandante Generals retain their passive effects and Retire effects regardless of the era, enabling versatile strategic applications.
Additionally, Gran Columbia’s unique Llanero unit functions as a cost-effective Cavalry replacement that gains +2 Combat Strength for each adjacent Llanero. By integrating the benefits of Great Generals, Llaneros, and Comandante Generals, players can create potent military formations. The Ejército Patriota ability offers +1 Movement to all units and allows a promotion without ending the current turn, further enhancing military capabilities.
5. Tomyris from Scythia
The “Killer of Cyrus”Ability Offers Advantages
Tomyris, the Scythian leader, specializes in combat tactics that facilitate early game advantages, thanks to her “Killer of Cyrus”ability, which provides all units a Combat Strength bonus against weakened opponents. Furthermore, upon defeating an enemy unit, Scythian forces receive healing of up to 30 hit points. Scythia’s People of the Steppe feature emphasizes light cavalry and introduces the Saka Horse Archer, allowing players to gain an additional unit with each training session, effectively doubling their output.
Players can exploit the Saka Horse Archer’s enhanced movement and range to eliminate foes before they retaliate, while the Kurgan building bolsters Gold reserves while providing Faith-based tourism. Focusing on early cavalry production is essential for establishing supremacy through numerous armies.
4. Hojo Tokimune from Japan
Advantage of Hurricanes with “Divine Wind”
Hojo Tokimune’s “Divine Wind”ability offers substantial bonuses, granting +5 Combat Strength to both land and naval units operating on coastal territories. Additionally, Japan can construct Encampments, Holy Sites, and Theater Squares in half the usual time, with specialized advantages tied to Hurricanes. Notably, units under Tokimune’s command are immune to Hurricane damage, whereas enemy units suffer complete destruction in Japan’s territory during Hurricanes.
Conveniently, Japan also introduces the unique Samurai unit, which does not incur combat penalties when damaged, while the Meiji Restoration mechanic contributes an extra adjacency bonus to city constructions, optimizing costs while fortifying defenses against aggressors. The Electronics Factory further enhances Production in pivotal City Centers while adding cultural benefits.
3. Suleiman (Kanuni) from the Ottoman Empire
Diplomatic & Military Production Bonuses
Suleiman Kanuni boasts the unique Governor Ibrahim, known as The Grand Vizier. This Governor provides significant diplomatic and military bonuses that enhance military unit production and defensive capacities while improving the effectiveness of captured capitals. Additionally, the Grand Bazaar building combats war weariness while increasing Strategic resource reserves and amenities.
The Great Turkish Bombard feature bolsters siege unit Production and improves their performance against district defenses, thereby preventing population losses during city captures, while simultaneously enhancing amenities and Loyalty per turn. Suleiman’s access to formidable military units like the Barbary Corsair and Janissary units positions him favorably for Dominance.
2. Julius Caesar from Rome
Impressive Gold Gains & Additional Benefits
One of the latest leaders introduced to Civ VI, Julius Caesar has a robust potential for Domination victories attributed to Rome’s strong urban development capabilities, particularly through the Roman Bath. His Vini, Vidi, Vici ability provides a significant gold surge upon conquering a city for the first time or earning gold through Barbarian Outposts. The Roman Legion efficiently substitutes the Swordsman and can build Roman Forts, a feat typically requiring a Military Engineer.
Moreover, the Roman Bath bolsters housing and access to fresh water while enhancing amenities. Additionally, the All Roads Lead to Rome capability further amplifies Gold reserves by granting a free Trade Route for every new city founded or conquered, including a +1 Gold boost when Trading Posts intersect through Roman territories.
1. Genghis Khan from Mongolia
The Ultimate Choice for Domination Victory
Genghis Khan stands out as an exceptional leader for a Domination Victory, thanks to his extensive combat advantages. The Mongol Horde ability grants cavalry units a +3 Combat Strength bonus, with the added ability to capture downed enemy cavalry. The Ordu building enhances cavalry movement and experience gain by 25%, along with increasing Strategic Resource Stockpiles in the city. Furthermore, the Keshig unit serves as a formidable Medieval ranged cavalry component, expediting the escort of non-military units.
Successfully achieving a Domination Victory in Civ VI necessitates strategic foresight, comprehensive planning, and a compatible leader and civilization combination. These top ten leaders in Civ VI offer unique enhancements that support military strength through their individual abilities, ensuring players are well-equipped to dominate the competition.
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