If you want the best Illithid powers in Baldur’s Gate 3, you might have just unlocked Illithid powers. Also known as the Tadpole powers related to the Mindflayer parasites stuck in your character’s head, these powers offer various buffs and immunity. While all classes can unlock these powers, some Illithid powers are limited to only certain classes. Since these parasite or Tadpole powers work similarly to a skill tree, you can unlock different tiers by unlocking more Illithid powers. But what are the best powers to use? Don’t worry, find out the best Illithid powers in BG3 ranked according to all the tiers.
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Disclaimer: The following guide contains some spoilers related to the storyline, characters, and gameplay. So, if you mind such spoilers, now is the best time to head back and check again, later.
Best Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3
Currently, there are three tiers of Illithid powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 you can unlock by spending the Illithid Potential Experience points. You can spend Illithid EXP to unlock more powers and tiers as you buy these powers.
So, here are the best Illithid powers in BG3 ranked from best to worst in order:
Tier 1
- Favorable Beginnings
- Force Tunnel
- Concentrated Blast
- Psionic Overload
- Transfuse Health
Tier 2
- Luck of the Far Realms
- Charm
- Repulsor
- Psionic Backlash
- Stage Fright
- Shield of Thralls
- Ability Drain
- Displace
- Perilous Stakes
- Cull the Weak
Tier 3
- Displacer Beast Shape
- Fierce Perilous Stakes
- Black Hole
- Mind Sanctuary
- Illithid Expertise
- Mind Blast
- Freecast
- Absorb Intellect
- Fly
- Psionic Dominance
If you have unlocked the first tier, we recommend buying Favorable Beginnings power for a maximum Proficiency bonus. If you are looking to crowd-control enemies, choosing Force Tunnel is a better alternative. For the second tier, the Luck of the Far Realms is the best Illithid power in BG3 as it can turn any hits into Critical hits. But to balance out the defense part, ensure to buy the Shield of the Thralls and Ability Drain.
But aside from buying and unlocking Illithid powers, you get also get a class-specific power at the end of Act 1.
Best Class-specific Illithid Powers in BG3
Here are all the class-specific Illithid powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 along with their classes:
- Supernatural Attraction
- Class: Warlock
- Horrific Visage
- Class: Sorcerer
- Endless Rage
- Class: Barbarian
- Reflective Shell
- Class: Wizard
- Psionic Pull
- Class: Fighter
- Stage Fright
- Class: Bard
- Fracture Psyche
- Class: Paladin
- Force Tunnel
- Class: Ranger
- Inkblot
- Class: Rogue
- Survival Instinct
- Class: Cleric
Does Using Illithid Powers have any Consequences?
Yes, there are multiple consequences for using the Illithid powers in BG3. As you use them within your party, some of your allies like Lae’zel might oppose it. On the other hand, some allies like Astarion and Gale will support you in using these powers.
But if you continue using them and unlock more Illithid powers, there are mainly three consequences. These are as follows:
Half Mindlflayer Transformation
Once you unlock all the Tier 1 Illithid powers, the Guardian will reward you with an Astral-touched tadpole. If you chose to consume it, this will complete your transformation as a half-Illithid and unlock more Illithid powers.
Full Mindflayer Evolution
Entering the endgame content, you will receive the Supreme Tadpole from the Guardian that unlocks the last tier and all the Illithid powers. If you choose to consume the parasite, it will complete your Illithid evolution and transform you into a full Mind Flayer with free will. Further, you will also get upgraded Illithid powers offering enhanced buffs and immunity.
Ending
Once you transform into a full Mindflayer, it will have an impact on the ending of Baldur’s Gate 3. As you destroy the Netherbrain and the swarms of Illithids, you will free your allies and yourself from the influence of the Parasite stuck in your head. But due to your evolution, you don’t remember anything about your former self.
That’s all about the best Illithid powers in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you liked this guide, check out our guides to find out the best Party combination, how to multiclass, and more BG3 Guides right here on Gamer Tweak.