Baldur's Gate 3: Best Illithid Powers, Ranked (2024)

Players of Baldur’s Gate 3 don’t just have to fight a Mindflayer invasion; they need to stop an Illithid parasite from transforming them into one before it’s too late. With the whole of Faerun at stake and their survival on the line, Baldur's Gate 3 puts players in quite a sensitive predicament. That is, at least, before they discover that their Illithid parasite also provides them with unique abilities.

As players learn throughout their Baldur’s Gate playthrough, their time with the parasite allows them to slowly tap into a Mindflayer’s arsenal of psionic abilities without the immediate risk of transformation. However, just which Illithid Powers should players prioritize before their infection finally seizes full control of them?

Updated August 29, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With the Dark Urge getting a new ending for Baldur’s Gate 3 playthroughs, fans of the acclaimed RPG might be wondering how their darker campaigns can get even grislier with this update to the Custom Origin. However, while fans can finally have yet another reason to play a Dark Urge in their next playthrough, now might be the time to consider getting a Dark Urge who is also tapping into the full extent of their Illithid Parasite’s abilities.

Among must-try Illithid Powers in a player’s arsenal include additional Proficiencies, spammable flight, having a bonus when targeting someone for the first time, and constantly damaging foes at the risk of receiving even more damage.

22 Illithid Expertise

Get Even Stronger Proficiencies

As Baldur’s Gate 3 is a roleplaying game, players need to focus on dialogue just as much as combat. This is especially true considering players can rely on their Charisma Skills to convince or persuade NPCs to do things in their favor. With Illithid Expertise, players can grant their Charisma character an added boost to their conversational prowess.

Thanks to Illithid Expertise, its user gets Expertise in Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion. This means they apply double their Proficiency Bonus when making Skill Checks involving these Skills. In the hands of a Face Character, Illithid Expertise can transform them into a conversation powerhouse.

21 Fly

Get A Free Flight Source

When players cultivate their Illithid Parasite, their characters may slowly transform into full Illithids - the same ilk of the Mindflayers who want to conquer Faerun. Among the Abilities they can obtain is Fly, allowing them to tap into their new psionic powers to fly toward a location. Partial-Illithids get this Ability automatically, although players can unlock this in advance.

Despite its straightforward nature, flying can become quite a nifty movement ability in the hands of the right build. Since Fly simply uses Movement and doesn’t take an Action, its users can effectively relocate to the convenience of higher ground to secure Advantage in Attacks or much further for the comfort of range.

20 Favourable Beginnings

Get A Hassle-Free Boosted Check

Not all Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 are comprised of Active Abilities, as some Illithid power-ups give players a tremendous advantage in the form of constantly-triggered Passive Abilities. One such Ability is Favourable Beginnings, a Passive that only works whenever players target a character for the first time.

When players unlock Favourable Beginnings, their first Ability Check or Attack Roll against any target will get a bonus equal to the character’s Proficiency Bonus. This can be a big deal should players want to gain leverage on crucial conversations with bosses or get a higher chance of scoring a much-needed first hit against foes.

19 Psionic Overload

A Worthwhile Sacrifice For Consistent Damage

At first glance, Psionic Overload seems like an extremely risky Illithid Power to acquire in Baldur’s Gate 3. After all, players deal +1d4 Psychic Damage to their attacks and get 1d4 Psychic Damage at the end of their turn. However, what players might fail to realize with Psionic Overload is how it supercharges a multi-attacker’s kit.

Players must remember that Psionic Overload’s caveat only deals 1d4 Psychic Damage at the end of the character’s turn. This starkly contrasts its benefit, as the +1d4 Psychic Damage bonus is applied to every attack. When applied to a Haste Combo with a Fighter (with Action Surge) or a Monk (with Flurry of Blows) on top of their Extra Attacks, characters can see a minimum of +3d4 worth of Psychic Damage per turn.

18 Transfuse Health

Emergency Heals With Massive Risks

Surviving a tough encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3 usually falls upon the party members who can provide themselves with healing even if they’re not necessarily Clerics. Sometimes, even the riskiest of healing can turn the tide of combat when used properly - something Transfuse Health demonstrates.

When used, Transfuse Health will take half of the player’s remaining Hit Points to heal a target of the same amount. This effect makes Transfuse Health compatible with tanks or high-HP party members who can probably take the massive Hit Point hit if it means getting powerful glass cannon units into proper shape.

17 Force Tunnel

A Charging Push For Extra Mobility

Distances can make combat in Baldur’s Gate 3 extremely sensitive to measurements, especially when attacks can be rendered impossible should enemies make the slightest step away from the player’s range. This makes mobility abilities like Force Tunnel extremely important, as their usage as gap-closers can allow tanks to pummel their way into a comfortable attacking distance.

When cast, Force Tunnel pushes all creatures and objects on the player’s immediate path. This doesn’t provoke Opportunity Attacks, making them extremely useful for repositioning. While its distance doesn’t offer a lot of room for retreating, its Short Rest recovery period can make this an emergency maneuvering tactic for players who want to get an opening to escape or flank a foe.

16 Perilous Stakes

Attacks Give Healing In Exchange For More Damage

In combat, healing can become essential in ensuring a character’s survival, especially after careful application. It’s this benefit that also makes lifesteal-esque abilities valuable to players. However, just like how other Illithid Powers have a catch, so too does Perilous Stakes. When acquired, Perilous Stakes grants a 3-turn Passive that heals its target for 2d8 Hit Points when attacking in exchange for being Vulnerable to all forms of damage.

At first glance, Perilous Stakes is a nifty buff for a frontline tank who can resist attacks or the Rogue who can dodge them. For players who want more strategic choices, they can cast Perilous Stakes on an enemy (INT Save) and give them the heal-on-attack… if they survive the player’s blows first.

15 Luck Of The Far Realms

Instant Crit On Hit Can Facilitate Powerful Combos

Rolling a Critical Hit on an Attack Roll can transform a meager attack into a finishing move in , with Luck of the Far Realms making this a more distinct possibility for gamers as an Illithid Power in Baldur’s Gate 3. Serving as a Passive Feature, triggering this Illithid Power can help players transform a successful Attack Roll into an automatic Critical, doubling all damage dice rolled for that particular Attack.

Given how this Passive is only usable once per Long Rest, this is best reserved for emergencies or combos where players are expected to land a massive hit when executed properly. Ideal ways of using Luck of the Far Realms involve Paladins also imbuing their attacks with any one of their Smites or a Frenzied Berserker Barbarian with the Tavern Brawler Feat.

14 Black Hole

Pull Enemies To A Point For Burst Attacks

On top of damage and healing, area control remains one of the most vital components of effective Spells in Baldur’s Gate 3 - something that Black Hole excels at when used correctly. While this Illithid Power doesn’t deal damage to opponents, its 18-meter range and INT Save almost always guarantee that enemies pulled into its center point are slowed. This alone should be enough of a deterrent to give the team time to regroup or pull off a counterattack.

However, where Black Hole goes beyond expectations is its extra effect. Upon using it for the first time, players can release up to five more Black Holes before recharging with a Short Rest. When positioned properly, players can surround a group of enemies with slowing points or delay their advance, keeping them in a place where Spells and AOE attacks can hit them more easily.

13 Ability Drain

Reducing Ability Can Greatly Decrease Enemy DPS

Given how a single Ability Score can increase the outcome of a Skill Check in Baldur’s Gate 3, effects that can temporarily lower an Ability Score like Ability Drain can debilitate a target’s combat prowess. When obtained after unlocking Psionic Overload, this Passive Feature affects a player’s target whenever they get hit by an Attack Roll.

Should players with Ability Drain hit an opponent, their Ability Score associated with the Attack is decreased by 1. Depending on the source, melee attackers will affect Strength, ranged combatants will affect Dexterity, and Spellcasters affect the associated Spellcasting Ability. While a melee attacker with Ability Drain will likely debilitate an enemy’s combat prowess, it can be used to pave the way for deadlier effects. For instance, ranged attackers constantly draining Dexterity from afar will leave enemies vulnerable to powerful AOE Spells.

12 Mind Blast

Psychic Attack With Stun Can Delay Enemy Advance

Sometimes, the best abilities in Baldur’s Gate 3 combat are those that affect enemies in a straightforward manner, such as Mind Blast. When triggered, the player will release a wave of psychic energy that can deal as much as 4d8 + 5 Psychic Damage. Should targets fail their INT Save, they become Stunned for a turn.

While its Long Rest recharge might seem overkill at first, Mind Blast forcing INT Saves means targeting one of the lesser-used Abilities by most creatures in the game. As such, the almost guaranteed single-turn Stun and the potential 37 Damage can easily get rid of mobs before they even try countering the player.

11 Charm

Avoiding Attacks Can Boost Survivability

Throughout a player’s journey in Baldur’s Gate 3, their characters will often use their tadpole to establish dominance over others through dialogue. However, Charm is a similar feature that affects enemies in combat, where tadpole-affected players will be able to focus on their newfound psionic abilities to force enemies to stop their hostilities.

As a Passive Feature, Charm allows players to enchant an attacker. If this ability works, that enemy will avoid attacking the player until their next turn, giving players room to run away or strike a counter-attack without fear of retaliation.

10 Mind Sanctuary

Actions As Bonus Actions Can Enhance Overall DPS

Players trying to enjoy their Baldur’s Gate 3 session may realize that a large aspect of the game’s combat relies on resource management for their character, especially since some moves not only cost certain resources (Spell Slots, Charges) but also work within the context of Actions, Bonus Actions, and Reactions. Depending on how “heavy” a move is, characters may end up doing more or less in their turn.

Thanks to Mind Sanctuary, a player with this Illithid Power creates a magical nexus that allows the interchangeable use of Actions and Bonus Actions. This effectively lessens the burden of using heavier moves that otherwise cost Actions, allowing players to use more powerful features at a fraction of the resources required.

9 Displacer Beast Shape

Extra Form Can Enhance Melee Prowess

One of the most frightening prospects of players not getting rid of the Illithid parasite in their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough is the notion of becoming a Mindflayer. Until they do so, they can enjoy their roster of psychic abilities in combat, one of which is to turn into a horrifying Displacer Beast via Displacer Beast Shape.

When transformed, players remain in the Displacer Beast Shape until they take a Long Rest or if they run out of its 85 Hit Points. Players retain their INT, WIS, and CHA scores, making this form ideal for spellcasters. Aside from being a more alien Wild Shape equivalent, Displacer Beast Shape technically gives players access to 85 Temporary Hit Points in the guise of an alternate form.

8 Fracture Psyche

Reduced AC Always Enhances Offense

Armor Class remains an integral part of Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, especially since they can only damage an opponent after their Attack Roll bypasses the enemy’s AC. Any effect that either buffs an Attack Roll or grants it Advantage can boost the chances of damaging opponents successfully. However, Fracture Psyche aids players by giving a -1 AC penalty to the enemy.

This debuff lasts for five turns, giving the caster and their allies ample time to eliminate the enemy in question, regardless if they’re using spells or reliable Versatile Weapons. If this is successful, the caster can then use Fracture Psyche on another target. Since Fracture Psyche can be used once per Short Rest, it’s recommended that players kill enemies during the effect’s duration.

7 Shield Of Thralls

Temporary HP Always Boosts Defense

With Armor Class determining how high attacks should roll to hit Baldur’s Gate 3 characters, players need a substantial amount of Hit Points to ensure their character’s survival. Thankfully, some spells and abilities give them access to Temporary HP, practically a “buffer” that shields its owner from attacks until emptied. Only one source of Temp HP can affect characters at a time, with Shield of Thralls being the most efficient among them.

At its core, Shield of Thralls gives 10 Temporary HP to the caster or their ally. While this seems straightforward enough, this Temp HP ability is the only one that comes with a spell-ending effect, wherein depleting the 10 Temp HP releases a blast that can Stun foes if they fail an INT Save. What makes Shield of Thralls attractive is its INT Save requirement, as most creatures except spellcasters have INT as a dump stat. In turn, it’s best to cast Shield of Thralls as a character with high enough INT, making the Stun after-effect practically a guarantee.

6 Stage Fright

Forcing Attack Disadvantage With A Damage Penalty Can Punish Enemy Offense

Debuffs that impose Disadvantage on attacks become a big deal in Baldur’s Gate 3 combat, especially since this forces attackers to roll two dice and get the lower result - almost always resulting in a miss. Among Illithid Abilities, Stage Fright serves as the equivalent of such a debuff. Unlike other variations, Stage Fright lasts for 3 turns and may end prematurely when the target finally succeeds in its attack.

However, Stage Fright’s other technical components make it a fearsome weapon. It has an 18-meter range as well as a 2d6 Psychic Damage punishment to foes who miss their attacks. Should they not hit at all across those three turns, they get a total of 6d6 Psychic Damage spread across that duration.

5 Psionic Dominance

Stop A Foe’s Stronger Spells

Despite its hefty status as a 3rd-Level Abjuration spell, Counterspell remains one of the most essential tools in a spellcaster’s toolkit, especially since it can be used to nullify a spell of an equal level or lower as a Reaction. With most heavy-hitting spells occurring beyond 2nd-Level, Counterspell can ruin an enemy mage’s repertoire of magical abilities.

Players having trouble with Counterspell’s hefty cost might consider grabbing Psionic Dominance as an Illithid Power. When a spellcaster within 18 meters of a player targets them with a spell lower or equal to their Proficiency Bonus, they can immediately nullify the spell with their Reaction. While this might not be as useful against multiple spellcasters, Psionic Dominance acting as a free Counterspell can give major advantages to players.

4 Psionic Backlash

Discourage Foes From Casting Spells

Spellcasters can become some of the most challenging enemies to deal with in the D&D game, especially when their low health is often contrasted with an array of powerful spells. Such is the threat level that the Mage Slayer Feat exists, allowing its users to use their Reaction to attack a mage casting a spell within melee. With Psionic Backlash, this Feat just got a ranged equivalent.

Thanks to Psionic Backlash, players can use their Reaction to inflict 1d4 Psychic Damage to an opponent casting a spell within a 9-meter radius. Not only that, the Damage increases by 1d4 per Spell Level, practically punishing the usage of powerful spells with the equivalent of a Bonus Attack.

3 Cull The Weak

Destroy Enemies Instantly At Half-Health

As an Illithid Power, Cull The Weak serves as an upgrade of Concentrated Blast, this time instantly killing an enemy should the user bring down said opponent to Hit Points fewer than their existing Evolved Illithid Powers. Not only that, this insta-kill move will also release an attack that damages nearby creatures with 1d4 Psychic Damage.

Despite Cull The Weak activating at such a small threshold, this ability can become an asset in a game adapting D&D 5e mechanics. Unlike other RPGs, an enemy down to 1 Hit Point can still fight like a regular foe. With players always having the chance to miss foes, an insta-kill ability targeting lower-health foes can negate the need to waste another attack.