In this guide, we'll take a look at what the best Illithid powers in Baldur's Gate 3 are. From the beginning of the game, you'll be infected with a Mind Flayer parasite, colloquially referred to as a tadpole. While the parasite in your head itself doesn't offer much in the way of value to you, should you choose to consume another one of the parasites, you'll be open to a whole new world of power.
So parasites can be found when killing other infected NPCs, and your Dream Visitor will mutter sweet nothings into your ear about who possesses one for you to steal. When you consume a parasite in Baldur's Gate 3, you will subsequently gain access to the Illithid powers menu. This menu allows you to unlock brand-new abilities and buffs in exchange for letting the Mind Flayer parasite dig deeper into your brain. However, players can choose whether or not to give into the appeal of the Illithid Powers depending on their role-playing preferences.
Additionally, for more guides like this, be sure to check out our Baldur's Gate 3 race tier list and class tier list. We've also got the best Baldur's Gate 3 builds for each class you can take a look at, alongside the best weapons!
What are Illithid powers?
So as far as we can see, there are 25 total powers that you can unlock through the Illithid powers menu. You have immediate access to five of the powers, and the rest of them become unlocked depending on which route you take within the menu. Each time you unlock a new ability, a couple more will become available to unlock. Think of it like a particularly gruesome skill tree.
We will be going over the best ones to unlock within the first few levels of the Illithid powers menu. The final unlocks are strong as well, but it will take most players the entire game to reach those abilities. Therefore, we'll be stating which Illithid powers you should unlock during the early part of the game.
Best Illithid powers in Baldur's Gate 3
- Favourable Beginnings - The first Attack Roll or Ability Check you make against any target gains a bonus equal to your Proficiency Bonus.
- Charm - Charm an enemy that attacks you, preventing them from attacking you until their next turn.
- Concentrated Blast - (6-36 damage) You must be concentrating on another spell to cast this. If the target was concentrating, you heal as much as the damage that was dealt to it.
- Luck of the Fear Realms - When you make a successful Attack Roll against a foe, you can change that hit into a Critical Hit.
- Stage Fright - Your targets have Disadvantage on Attack Rolls and take 2-12 Psychic damage each time they miss (for three turns).
- Force Tunnel - Charge forward, pushing all objects and creatures in your path 4m away from you.
But there you have it, our picks for the best early Illithid powers to unlock in Baldur's Gate 3! We must warn you, however, that continuing to consume and use Illithid powers might lead to some changes in your character's story down the line. Yes, choices matter in Baldur's Gate 3.
But for more on the game, be sure to check out how to change spells in Baldur's Gate 3, how to level up fast, as well as if you can play solo, and how to change character appearance.