Unlocking the Secrets of Illithid Transformation in Baldur's Gate 3: The Ultimate Guide

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for the plot of Baldur's Gate 3. Proceed at your own risk.

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 is a game where decisions determine character fate & relationships.

The power of the Illithid tadpole is a major point of contention for player characters and their companions.

Content

Using Illithid abilities offers benefits such as a potent skill tree; however, it brings the disadvantages of disapproval from companions and the potential transformation into a mind flayer.

In Baldur's Gate 3, the game revolves around making choices that determine not only the fate of your character but also the destinies of the characters they are connected to. Despite the considerable differences in alignment, values, and backgrounds among the companions who accompany the player character, they are compelled to collaborate in addressing the shared problem, whether they desire it or not. The utilization of the Illithid tadpole's power residing within their minds becomes a major point of conflict for both the characters and the player. Each path has its own advantages and drawbacks, but for some, the associated consequence may be deemed too great.

The Case for Harvesting Illithids in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 commences by immersing the player character, be it a customized one or an Origin character, in a precarious situation aboard a vessel controlled by mind flayers. Our protagonist falls victim to an Illithid, informally known as a tadpole, which is a worm-like creature employed by the mind flayers to convert other species into their own kind. Typically, this transformation ensues within a few days and grants the victim a peculiar connection with the mind flayers and their slaves. Consequently, overcoming the perils and eradicating the Illithid takes precedence as we strive to prevent the metamorphosis into a mind flayer.

Illithid pros:

Unlocks a powerful skill tree.

Makes Illithid Wisdom more powerful.

Illithid cons:

Some companions will disapprove of the choice.

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The potential of becoming a mind flayer is brought up.

However, these plans encounter a setback when the party takes a long rest and the Dream Guardian appears to them in their dreams. The player is responsible for creating the enigmatic character, known as the Dream Guardian, whose voice is heard throughout the game both when the party is awake and asleep. The Guardian claims to be preventing the mind flayer transformation, but also encourages the player and their companions to embrace their Illithids and the power they provide. Additionally, the Guardian suggests seeking out other infected individuals, referred to as True Souls, to further enhance their abilities.

Using the Power of the Tadpoles is a Practical Choice

The party is divided on this issue. While some believe that harnessing the power of the Illithid is the most effective strategy to combat the Absolute and uncover the orchestrator, others argue that it is a trap and advocate for eradicating the Illithids entirely. Adding more Illithids to their ranks grants the party a plethora of potent abilities to use in battle, thereby simplifying combat in Baldur's Gate 3.

Embracing the power of Illithids is closely tied to Illithid-Wisdom during conversations, and its effectiveness increases with more usage. Following this path grants access to normally inaccessible information and locations, as well as the ability to avoid challenging battles. However, it significantly impacts the storyline in ways that are not compatible with a heroic player, so those who have chosen a character aligned with good should proceed with caution. Moreover, it also carries the risk of transforming into a mind flayer, an extremely unpleasant experience that leads to alienation from many party members in Baldur's Gate 3.

However, players have the option to become a mind flayer, but they can avoid this by defying the commands of mind flayers and True Souls. While some party members may disapprove of embracing the tadpole, most can be convinced to at least tolerate the player character experimenting with them. The main disadvantages of utilizing Illithid powers arise if the player decides to become a mind flayer in BG3, although this outcome is not necessary if the player chooses to wield Illithid powers.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently available on PC and is set to be released on September 6, 2023 for PlayStation 5.