Civilization 6: Unifier Qin Shi Huang Leader Guide

Civilization 6: Unifier Qin Shi Huang Leader Guide

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent mastering the art of strategy in Sid Meier’s Civilization series, I can confidently say that Qin Shi Huang’s Unifier persona in Civilization 6 is a force to be reckoned with! This Chinese leader, with his dual entries and unique Leader Bonus, offers an exhilarating blend of combat prowess and strategic depth.


The Sid Meier’s Civilization game series has proven to be a popular and captivating franchise, cherished by fans worldwide due to its distinctive blend of turn-based strategy infused with historical flavor. In these games, players assume control over a historic leader from a diverse array of civilizations, crafting their own narrative as the game progresses. Over the years, Civilization 6 has benefited from developer support, receiving numerous updates and features, such as new civilizations and leaders or alternate versions of existing leaders for certain civilizations.

A great example of these revamped leaders is Qin Shi Huang’s China. Qin has two different entries, each with a different Leader Bonus which allows for some vastly different approaches when it comes to play style. Qin (Mandate of Heaven) heavily rewards a Wonder-based strategy, while Qin (Unifier) is much more aimed at combat and the Domination victory type. Let’s take a look at how to use Qin Shi Huang’s Unifier persona in Civilization 6.

Qin Shi Huang’s Unifier Leader Bonus in Civilization 6

Civilization 6: Unifier Qin Shi Huang Leader Guide

  • Unifier ability: Can use land melee units to convert all adjacent Barbarian units to Chinese units

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share an exciting feature: The Unifier Leader Bonus empowers Qin Shi Huang to transform barbarian troops into Chinese units, at the expense of one melee land unit. This advantage is particularly beneficial during the game’s early stages when barbarian camps and units are abundant, but it proves useful throughout the entire game as well.

The Leader Bonus primarily emphasizes battlefield strategies and military applications. It enables players to accumulate numerous units at minimal production costs.

How to Use Qin Shi Huang Unifier’s Leader Bonus

Civilization 6: Unifier Qin Shi Huang Leader Guide

In Qin’s territory, all land-based military units can activate the “Convert Barbarians” feature. To trigger this action, a player’s unit must be next to at least one Barbarian unit. Once you click the conversion button, the Chinese unit vanishes, and the Barbarian unit becomes under the player’s control instead.

Dynastic Cycle Ability in Civilization 6

  • Dynastic Cycle Ability: +10 percent Science and Culture towards Technologies and Civics when a Eureka or Inspiration is gained, for a total 60 percent of the Technology of Civic cost; completing a Wonder grants one random Eureka and one random Inspiration from that era’s pool

In simpler terms, the Dynastic Cycle Ability links all versions of China together. When an Eureka or Inspiration is achieved, it adds a 10% bonus to Science or Culture for Technologies or Civics. This means that with well-timed enhancements, Qin Shi Huang can advance efficiently through the technology and civic tree, unlocking buildings and units more quickly.

Qin Shi Huang Unifier Strategy in Civilization 6

Qin’s (Unifier) Leader Bonus is particularly beneficial in the early stages of Civ 6, but its impact extends throughout the game. Initially, swapping one melee unit for another Barbarian unit might not seem advantageous, yet it can be utilized effectively. For instance, a Warrior unit can be traded for a solitary Spearman unit.

However, the real power – and potential danger – of this Leader Bonus becomes apparent when it’s employed to transform several units simultaneously. In certain situations, it might be advantageous for players to let barbarians approach their city and units to bait them. If a player’s melee unit is encircled, it can convert all nearby Barbarian units, leading to a significant increase in army production.

At times, improper execution of this method might result in the loss of melee units, potentially leading to a city under siege. Yet, when employed skillfully, it enables players to rapidly accumulate vast armies, allowing them to focus production on other tasks as well.

Helpful Policy Cards for Qin Shi Huang Unifier

Policy cards provide players with potent, customizable benefits for shaping their empire according to their preferences. Particularly beneficial for Qin (Unifier), many useful policy cards are found in the Military Policies section. These cards can lower the maintenance cost of units in gold, make upgrades less expensive, or enhance combat strength directly.

  • Professional Army – 50 percent discount on all unit upgrades
  • Discipline – +5 Combat Strength when fighting Barbarians
  • Conscription – Unit maintenance reduced by 1 Gold per turn per unit
  • Retinutes (Gathering Storm) – 50 percent resource discount on all unit upgrades
  • National Identity – units have 50 percent less Combat Strength reduction from being injured

General Tips and Tricks for Qin (Unifier) in Civilization 6

Civilization 6: Unifier Qin Shi Huang Leader Guide

Although Qin (Unifier) is best used for Domination Victories, it’s always important to remember that falling too far behind in tech can halt the war machine – and in some cases, result in a game over. Early conquests can knock out some of the competition, but gamers should keep an eye on their competition and their conquests.

In simpler terms, the Dynastic Cycle Ability serves as a tool to keep some individuals from lagging behind. However, it’s essential that part of China’s production is dedicated to building structures that emphasize science and culture. On the other hand, unlike other military civilizations, Qin (Unifier) has the advantage of diversifying due to the Unifier Leader Bonus.

Read More

2024-09-21 10:23