Civilization 6 leaders are historical individuals who serve as figureheads for their respective societies. Open a history book and you’re sure to find some of these names, all of whom you can play as in-game.

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In Civilization 6, each leader has their own unique ability, which comes with bonuses such as special units and buildings, as well as an agenda. It’s important to be aware of these agendas when playing against an AI leader, as they affect how they play.

All Civ 6 leaders, ranked

There are 67 unique leaders in Civilization 6, the most of any game in the series to date. Some leaders have different variations for different periods in history, bringing the total number to 75.

With our Civ 6 leader tier list, there isn’t a lot to separate some of these. Sometimes, it’s down to a unique leader ability making the difference. However, a knowledgeable Civilization 6 player should be able to make any of these work on the battlefield.

S Tier

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The S-tier Civilization 6 leaders should be able to dominate across any era. Their bonuses are the best, and players shouldn’t have a tough time being competitive while using them. From the industrial powerhouse that is Abraham Lincoln to the military might of Alexander, you’ve got plenty of variation in playstyle here, too.

LeaderCivilizationAbilityAbraham LincolnAmericaEmancipation ProclamationAlexanderMacedonTo the World’s EndAmanitoreNubiaKandake of MeroëBasil IIByzantiumPorphyrogénnētosJayavarman VIIKhmerMonasteries of the KingMatthias CorvinusHungaryRaven KingSeondeokKoreaHwarangTrajanRomeTrajan’s ColumnVictoria (Age of Steam)EnglandAge of SteamWilfrid LaurierCanadaThe Last Best WestYongleChinaLijia

A Tier

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A-tier Civ 6 leaders aren’t the best of the best, but there’s no reason why you can’t win any game using them. After all, we’re splitting hairs at the top to place these leaders. Focus on one specific victory condition, and you’ll find plenty of success with these options.

LeaderCivilizationAbilityCatherine de Medici (Black Queen)FranceCatherine’s Flying SquadronCyrusPersiaFall of BabylonEleanor of AquitaineEngland and FranceCourt of LoveElizabeth IEnglandDrake’s LegacyFrederick BarbarossaGermanyHoly Roman EmperorHojo TokimuneJapanDivine WindJohn CurtinAustraliaCitadel of CivilizationMenelik IIEthiopiaCouncil of MinistersPedro IIBrazilMagnanimousPericlesGreeceSurrounded by GloryPeterRussiaThe Grand EmbassySaladin (Vizier)ArabiaRighteousness of the FaithSejongKoreaHangulSimon BolivarGran ColombiaCampaña Admirable

B Tier

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These B-tier Civ 6 leaders won’t always result in victory, but using them doesn’t guarantee defeat, either. Much like the A-tier leaders, honing in on one victory condition and brute-forcing it will give you the best chance of winning against better options. Don’t totally count them out when starting a new playthrough, though.

LeaderCivilizationAbilityCatherine de Medici (Magnificence)FranceCatherine’s MagnificencesCleopatra (Egyptian)EgyptMediterranean’s BrideCleopatra (Ptolemaic)EgyptArrival of HapiGenghis KhanMongoliaMongol HordeGilgameshSumeriaAdventures of EnkiduGitarjaIndonesiaExalted Goddess of the Three WorldsGorgoGreeceThermopylaeJoão IIIPortugalPorta do CercoKristinaSwedenMinerva of the NorthKupeMaoriKupe’s VoyageLady Six SkyMayaIx Mutal AjawLudwig IIGermanySwan KingMansa MusaMaliSahel MerchantsMontezumaAztecGifts for the TlatoaniPachacutiIncaQhapaq ÑanPhilip IISpainEl EscorialRamses IIEgyptAbu SimbelShakaZuluAmabuthoSuleiman (Kanuni)Ottoman EmpireGrand VizierSuleiman (Muhteşem)Ottoman EmpireThe MagnificentSundiata KeitaMaliSogolonTeddy Roosevelt (Rough Rider)AmericaRoosevelt CorollaryTheodoraByzantiumMetanoiaTokugawaJapanBakuhanVictoria (Age of Empire)EnglandPax BritanniaWilhelminaNetherlandsRadio Oranje

C Tier

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If you’re going to use the C-tier Civ 6 leaders, be prepared for an uphill struggle. You’ll need to invest a lot of time and Gold into making these leaders work on the battlefield, so we’d only recommend these for experienced Civilization 6 players. Without knowing how to extract every ounce of usefulness from their abilities, these leaders will just cause you headaches.

LeaderCivilizationAbilityAmbiorixGaulKing of the EburonesBa TrieuVietnamDrive Out The AggressorsChandraguptaIndiaArthashastraDidoPhoeniciaFounder of CarthageGandhiIndiaSatyagrahaHammurabiBabylonNinu Ilu SirumHarald Hardrara (Konge)NorwayThunderbolt of the NorthHarald Hardrada (Varangian)NorwayVarangian GuardJadwigaPolandLithuanian UnionJulius CaesarRomeVeni, Vidi, ViciKublai KhanChinaGeregeLautaroMapucheSwift HawkMvemba a NzingaKongoReligious ConvertNader ShahPersiaSword of PersiaNzinga MbandeKongoQueen of Ndongo and MtambaPoundmakerCreeFavorable TermsQuin Shi Huang (Mandate Of Heaven)ChinaThe First EmperorQuin Shi Huang (Unifier)ChinaThirty-Six StratagemsRobert the BruceScotlandBannockburnSaladin (Sultan)ArabiaThe VictoriousTamarGeorgiaGlory of the World, Kingdom and FaithTeddy Roosevelt (Bull Moose)AmericaAntiquities and ParksTomyrisScythiaKiller of CyrusWu ZetianChinaManual of Entrapment Post Tag: 2K Civilization Civilization VI Firaxis Games PC PlayStation PlayStation 4 xbox Xbox One Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy Join The Conversation