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In Civilization 6, every decision matters. This ranges from choosing a civilization to play and the victory type to the best Civ 6 district placements and more. Of course, picking the civilization and leader is the first major choice.

Yet defining a civilization as OP is not as simple as it sounds. There's quite a few civilizations that stand out from the rest to some degree, but ultimately that balances comes in when pitted against other civilizations. As such, when considering the variety of leaders in Civilization 6, whether one can classify as OP or not comes down to a few deciding factors: how they compare to other civilizations, how quickly they can lock in a victory or the versatility they have, and how if in any way they change the game.

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Civ 6: Seondeok of Korea

civ 6 first district

Seondeok of Korea is a hard hitter, although there's really not much versatility here. However, what she lacks there is made up in possibility the fastest victory style in the game. Her entire set-up is based on science, as governors provide 3% increase science and culture for every promotion (fully upgraded is 18%), her mines generate science and food if next to her unique Camps equivalent, the Seowon. It can only be built on hills, but they generate +4 science. Playing Seondeok requires a little know-how and some early in-game setup and preparation, but this leader can earn a science victory in Civilization 6 before other players knew what hit them. This quick, effective, and core strategy outclassing many other civilizations earns Korea an OP spot.

Civ 6: Mansa Musa of Mali

civ 6 mali

Mansa Musa of Mali can basically do it all and is fittingly led by who many historians believe to be the richest man of all time when adjusted properly. His focus on gold in game then comes as no surprise, and Mansa's wealth alone changes how Civilization 6 is played with him on the map or as him for victory. Mansa Musa marks both versatility and specialization, with a religious victory in Civ 6 being the easiest to achieve but all of them being certainly viable with the sheer amount of gold that can be obtained.

It also changes the game up considerably, as typically civs focus on production to get out units, districts, and more, but Mali can simply buy most of them. Focusing on Gold and Faith puts Mali ahead of his competition, at times being capable of buying an entire army in one turn. His unique Suguba district then makes it even easier, making it 20% cheaper to buy units, buildings, and districts with both gold and faith in Civilization 6. That's made even better with proper planning near a desert and a holy site, and almost right away, Mansa Musa changes the name of the game, earning his OP spot.

Civ 6: Alexander of Macedon

civ 6 alexander of macedon

What Alexander of Macedon lacks in versatility, he makes up in being the absolute war machine of Civilization 6. Players who need to earn a domination victory should always opt for Alexander, hands own, as his military is second to none. The biggest hurdle to this victory type in Civ 6 is war weariness, but none of Alexander's cities will incur this penalty. Then, on top of that, all of his units heal after capturing a city. Alexander isn't exactly revolutionary, but he stands above other civilizations as a military civilization.

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Civ 6: Eleanor of Aquitane

Civ 6 Eleanor England

If Alexander is the hands down leader of domination victories for his ability to fight endlessly, Eleanor is the exact opposite. Done right, Eleanor can win a domination victory in Civilization 6 without practically lifting a finger. Eleanor uses Civ 6's City Loyalty from Rise and Fall against other civs, essentially reducing other city's loyalties (within 9 titles) by -1 each turn for each Great Work in that city. Then, instead of just becoming a Free City, it falls to Eleanor's control without incurring the wrath of the other civilization. This essentially means Eleanor can be played to win a domination victory without going to war, and the dynamic here is so unique compared to other civilizations. The ease of victory when done right, coupled with changing the game outright, makes Eleanor fall into the OP category.

Civ 6: Kristina of Sweden

civ 6 best culture leader

Civ 6's Kristina of Sweden is the Seondek of Culture. There are plenty of solid culture-based leaders players can choose such as Peter of Russia, Perciles of Greece, or Mvemba a Nzinga of the Kongo, but like Alexander stands above the military of others, Kristina's cultural capabilities are second to none. Kristin's automatic leader bonuses themes all Great Works that are slotted in buildings and wonders, creating huge Tourism bonuses.

On top of that, the Open-Air Museum which is unique to Sweden produces Culture and Tourism based on the number of cities Sweden has in different terrains. By planning ahead, establishing cities, and working quickly to unlock the Nationalism Civic to unlock the museum, Kristina secures cultural victories quickly and plays Civilization 6 in her own unique way.

Civ 6: Barbarossa of Germany

civ 6 how to get better

While some civilizations are praised here for their unique approach to the game, their versatility, or their specializations, Germany is here for one reason only: being the master of Civilization 6. Replacing the standard Industrial Zone with the Hansa, Germany can build a bunch of these and push production through the roof. The low cost, high-yielded adjacency bonuses means Germany can crank out some real units and items, making it a near-universal Civilization capable of exceeding in nearly all areas.

Civilization 6 is available for iOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

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