Using the seemingly prohibited and somewhat frowned upon Illithid Powers is a major moral dilemma in Baldur’s Gate 3. These powers originate from the Mind Flayer parasite or the tadpole inside your brain. Using them seems enticing, given how varied and powerful they can be, and our dream visitor, The Emperor, also supports using them.
In this guide, we will briefly look at what the Illithid Powers are and why you should or shouldn’t be using them in the first place.
What are Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3
Illithid Powers are special abilities that allow you to fully utilize the potential of the Mind Flayer worm in your brain. These powers unlock once you collect and consume at least two Illithid Parasites. The more Illithid Parasites you consume, the more powers you can access in the Illithid Tree. We have done a detailed guide on the location of all Illithid Parasites in BG3.
To access higher tiers, you need to consume special Illithid Parasites that become available later in the game. Once you let the Emperor evolve you, the next tier of powers from the second tree unlocks. Our guide covers all the Illithid Powers and their trees in detail.
Should you use Illithid Powers or not?
The very simple answer to this question is a resounding YES. To explain it a bit more, we would like to tell you that everything should be fine and dandy in the early sections of the game until Act 3. However, once you progress further and consume both Astral-Touched and Supreme tadpoles, things will go a little haywire.
Nothing good in life is free. The same is the case with Illithid Powers, as unlocking and using them have its own consequences. Once you unlock the second tier of the Illithid Powers tree in Baldur’s Gate 3, you will turn into a half Mind Flayer. Your personality will take a different turn, and a lot of things and creatures in the universe will start reacting differently to you.
Upon consuming the Supreme tadpole, you will become an enemy of the state. A full-fledged Mind Flayer. Though you can still control your actions, a lot of your companions will disapprove. You will lose your identity, and this will also lead to one of the bad endings of the game.
We still recommend checking out Illithid Power in Baldur’s Gate 3, and if you are worried about the ending, just don’t unlock phases 2 and 3.
