Are there consequences for using Illithid Powers in Baldur's Gate 3?

They're pretty nifty.

Illithid Powers are hidden skills in Baldur’s Gate 3 that can be unlocked by allowing a parasite known as a Mind Flayer or Tadpole to infect your character’s brain. This can be done by finding them inside brine, infected skulls from dead True Souls, and jars and consuming them.

Infecting your character’s brain with a parasite on purpose sounds like an awful thing to do, but the tradeoff is that Illithid Powers are handy and present powerful abilities that, early on, should be taken advantage of—even if it makes you one step closer to become a Mind Flayer.

But do the Illithid Powers come with any consequences? Well, if you’re on the fence about using them, it’s a good idea to see what they all are first before making a decision.

There are some consequences to using the Illithid Powers in your playthrough, though they are relatively minor. Thus far, the only consequences uncovered have been:

However, the Hidden Trophy “Ceremorphosis,” which is the process of turning into an Illithid, in the achievements list could also be a tell on potential story ramifications from using the tadpoles. Considering the depth of the game and the track record of Larian Studios, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Related: Should you play as an Origin or custom character in Baldur’s Gate 3?

In my opinion, Illithid Powers are definitely worth using in Baldur’s Gate 3. All of them are useful, even if they might weird out some of your companions (they’ll let you know about it via the dialogue). I have been using Illithid Powers on my character and it’s been a blast. Force Tunnel, Psionic Pull, and Repulsor are loads of fun, while Charm and Freecast have come in clutch in battles multiple times already.

Some players might prefer using them on a second or third playthrough like they’re doing for the Dark Urge Origin, and that’s fine. Having a character affected by these ominous things isn’t for everyone. But at some point, in some other playthrough, you should use them.

If you’re a serious roleplayer who is worried about aligning yourself with malevolent entities like Mind Flayers or the unethical nature of using Illithid Powers to gain an unfair advantage, you don’t have to use them if you don’t want to. It all comes down to personal preference. The same goes for classes and difficulty, too.

Spoilers beware: What follows are beats in the Baldur’s Gate 3 story that involve tadpoles and Illithid Powers.

It’s certainly possible considering the depth of the game that more information will come to light on exactly how the heavy use of Illithid Powers might change these moments. In the event more consequences become known, we will update this guide.

The Astral-Touched Tadpole, gifted to you by your Guardian, will grant you further access to the Illithid Power Tree Skills. This will happen after you have made considerable progress through the main storyline.

Upon the ending of the main storyline, you’ll be presented a choice by your Guardian to consume a Supreme Tadpole. Doing so will transform you fully into a Mind Flayer. This might sound like an immediate no, but consider that it will also give you full access to the Illithid Power Tree Skills, meaning you’ll be granted upgrades with effects and also damage boosts.

Choosing to engulf the Supreme Tadpole and turning into a full Mind Flayer will have your character destroy the Netherbrain and the many swarms of Illithids. As a result of your sacrifice, you will free your companions from the influence of the Illithid tadpoles, though you begin to fully embrace your Mind Flayer tendencies. Separated completely from your previous self, will you now look to manipulate your companions?

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