BG3 Use Illithid Powers or Not: Should You Use Illithid Powers in Baldurs Gate 3?
Updated Sep 05, 2023
Baldur’s Gate III Game
Baldur's Gate 3 is a highly acclaimed role-playing video game developed and published by Larian Studios. It serves as the third main installment in the Baldur's Gate series, inspired by the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system. Initially released in early access for macOS, Windows, and the Stadia streaming service in October 2020, the game reached its full release on Windows in August 2023.
Upcoming versions for macOS, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S are planned for release. Critics have lauded the game for its engaging gameplay, compelling narrative, extensive content, and the freedom it offers to players in making choices within the game world.
BG3 Use Illithid Powers or Not
In BG3, the choice of using illithid powers or not doesn't affect the story's outcome, but it does impact your character's development and how your companions feel about it. If you use these powers, you become more powerful over time, but your companions may disapprove.
This path aligns with those aiming to support the Absolute at the game's conclusion. On the other hand, if you choose not to use illithid powers, your companions will approve, and you'll miss out on some unique abilities. This option is better suited for players who want to pursue a morally good and heroic playthrough.
Should You Use Illithid Powers in Baldurs Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the choice of whether to use Illithid powers ultimately depends on your preferred playthrough style and role-playing decisions. Consuming tadpoles to gain these powers won't significantly impact the late-game story or ending.
It may lead to disapproval from some of your companions, but you won't transform into a Mind Flayer or get a "bad" ending because of it. These powers can be both beneficial and challenging in certain end-game fights, depending on your choices. You can convince your companions to try these powers later, so the decision can be based on how they fit into your character's story.
For a morally good or neutral playthrough focused on ridding yourself of the parasite and defeating the Absolute, avoiding tadpole consumption may align better with your goals. However, if you're pursuing a chaotic or evil playthrough and intend to side with the Absolute, consuming tadpoles can make sense.
Keep in mind that the more significant decision comes later in the game, involving whether to evolve into a half-Illithid or not, which doesn't depend on using Illithid powers. Finally, there's an opportunity to evolve into a full Illithid even later, which can affect your game's ending, so choose carefully based on your character's journey.
Baldur’s Gate III Gameplay
Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing video game that offers both single-player and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Players have the freedom to create one or more characters and assemble a party, which can include pre-generated characters, to delve into the game's narrative.
Additionally, players can choose to join forces with others online and embark on their adventure together. The game features turn-based combat, which is reminiscent of Larian's previous titles, Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin II, and it adheres to the rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
Baldur’s Gate III Plot
The game offers a branching plot where key story elements remain consistent, but details and side quests can vary significantly based on player choices. Players can create their own character from scratch, choose from six pre-made "origin characters," or select a customizable seventh "origin character." These characters each have unique questlines and playstyles. The game is divided into three acts:
Act I:
The story begins with the protagonist awakening on an illithid ship, implanted with an illithid tadpole that transforms people into mind flayers. The ship is attacked by githyanki warriors, leading to its crash landing in Faerûn. The protagonist seeks a cure for the tadpole while encountering other survivors with similar afflictions.
Act II:
This act centers around Moonrise Towers and the surrounding lands, once peaceful but now consumed by unnatural darkness. The protagonist explores the region, searching for a cure and dealing with the curse that plagues the land.
Act III:
The final act takes place in Baldur's Gate and the suburb of Rivington. The main plot involves the remaining antagonists' attempts to pit the protagonist against each other. Companions also find closure for their personal quests, and the story culminates in a battle against the Absolute and the illithid threat.
BG3 Use Illithid Powers or Not - FAQs
Illithid Powers are abilities gained by characters who have been implanted with illithid tadpoles, allowing them to use psionic abilities.
No, using or not using Illithid Powers does not impact the game's ending.
Some companions will disapprove of your use of Illithid Powers, while others will approve.
Yes, characters using Illithid Powers may develop black veins on their body, but this is purely cosmetic.
The decision to evolve into a half-illithid or full illithid later in the game has more significant consequences for the ending and story than using Illithid Powers.