Civilization 6: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Pantheon

In Civilization 6, players face numerous challenging decisions, one of which is selecting a Pantheon. This choice occurs in the early phases of the game, and with the plethora of Pantheons available, new players might find themselves overwhelmed. This guide aims to illuminate the best Pantheon options in Civ 6, simplifying the decision-making process for newcomers.

The Pantheon represents the initial choice within a religion, and while it may seem secondary, it plays a vital role throughout the game. Some Pantheons provide significant early-game advantages that may wane in later stages, while others maintain consistent value. Players have various options to choose from, with some being better choices than others in most scenarios.

It's crucial to understand that there isn’t a singular best Pantheon; the ideal selection often depends on the specific victory conditions a player is pursuing. Nevertheless, certain Pantheons consistently prove advantageous, especially for players aiming for Domination or Diplomatic victories.

1. City Patron Goddess

Bonus: +25% Production toward districts in cities without a specialty district

Although this Pantheon may lose its relevance as the game progresses, the early-game Production boost can be tremendously beneficial. In Civ 6, cities and districts rely heavily on Production for expansion, so leveraging this advantage early on can set players ahead of their rivals.

2. Fertility Rites

Bonus: Gain a Builder in your capital. City growth rate increases by 10%

Fertility Rites combines enhanced city growth with an additional Builder, making it an excellent choice for players seeking to establish themselves quickly. The bonus to city growth accelerates development, while the free Builder allows players to conserve Gold and Production by putting it to good use.

3. God of the Forge

Bonus: +25% Production toward Ancient and Classical military units

Ideal for players fending off barbarians or aiming for Domination, this Pantheon accelerates military unit production. Aggressive players looking to overpower opponents will find the God of the Forge immensely helpful. Establishing a robust military presence early can alleviate future challenges.

4. Religious Settlements

Bonus: Gain a Settler in your capital. Borders expand 15% faster

Like Fertility Rites, Religious Settlements facilitates early-game growth by providing a free Settler, crucial for founding new cities. This Pantheon helps players broaden their territory quickly and efficiently.

While these Pantheons are excellent choices in most cases, players targeting Culture, Religion, or Science victories should also consider specific options aligned with their goals.

5. River Goddess

Bonus: +2 Amenities and +2 Housing to cities with a Holy Site adjacent to a river

Finding Housing and Amenities in Civ 6 can be tricky, particularly when key buildings are limited by district requirements. The River Goddess Pantheon provides a timely solution by enhancing cities near rivers. This bonus can prevent the need for immediate Entertainment Districts or Neighborhoods, offering flexibility in city planning.

Best Pantheons for Culture Victory

To secure a Culture Victory, Pantheons that increase Culture production are essential. The Goddess of Festivals and God of the Open Sky offer distinct benefits:

- Goddess of Festivals: +1 Culture from Plantations

- God of the Open Sky: +1 Culture from Pastures

Depending on the map's resource distribution, these Pantheons can significantly aid players in accumulating Culture points.

Best Pantheons for Religion Victory

For players pursuing a Religion Victory, boosting Faith is key. The God of War, Initiation Rites, and Religious Idols Pantheons are particularly effective:

- God of War: Grants Faith equal to 50% of the strength of each combat unit defeated near a Holy Site.

- Initiation Rites: Provides +50 Faith for each Barbarian Outpost cleared, along with healing for the clearing unit.

- Religious Idols: +2 Faith from Mines over Luxury and Bonus resources.

Additionally, Dance of the Aurora, Desert Folklore, and Earth Goddess can enhance Faith production based on the surrounding terrain:

- Dance of the Aurora: Adds +1 Faith from adjacent Tundra tiles.

- Desert Folklore: Adds +1 Faith from adjacent Desert tiles.

- Earth Goddess: Grants +1 Faith from tiles with Breathtaking Appeal.

Any of these Pantheons can prove advantageous for players aiming for a Religion Victory, with the first three rewarding aggressive expansion and the latter three offering location-based benefits.

Best Pantheons for Science Victory

For a Science Victory, consider the Divine Spark Pantheon, which helps attract Great People to your civilization:

- Divine Spark: Provides +1 Great Person point from Holy Sites (Prophet), Campuses with a Library (Scientist), and Theater Squares with an Amphitheater (Writer).

This Pantheon is particularly beneficial for players eager to progress through the technology tree and establish their religion.

Best Pantheons for Early Wonder Production

Players focused on early Wonder production should look to the Monument to the Gods Pantheon:

- Monument to the Gods: +15% Production toward Ancient and Classical era Wonders.

While this bonus significantly boosts early Wonder construction, it becomes less useful once Ancient and Classical era Wonders are completed. However, it enables players to create crucial early-game Wonders like the Great Bath or the Temple of Zeus, which provide vital advantages.