Baldur's Gate 3: should you evolve into a half-Illithid in BG3?

Should you evolve into a half-Illithid or not in Baldur's Gate 3?

Contents

1. What happens if you evolve? – BG3
2. Should you evolve or not? – BG3

At the end of Act 2, the true identity of the Dream Visitor and Guardian will be revealed. Calling themselves The Emperor, they are a Mind Flayer that escaped the grip of the Absolute and seeks to help you destroy them. As part of that, they offer you the Astral-Touched Tadpole, which can transform you into a half-Illithid.

As you might expect, there are major upsides and downsides to accepting this offer, so we’ll break down whether you should evolve or not in Baldur’s Gate 3.

This is just one of many paths in Baldur's Gate 3 though, so check out our guides on how to complete the Gauntlet of Shar, finish the masterwork weapon, and open Necromancy of Thay.

What happens if you evolve? – BG3

Larian Studios

Becoming half-Illithid will dramatically change your appearance, your eyes will become dark and colorless, and black veins will cover your face. You’ll then have access to more powerful Illithid abilities, once you use the tadpoles to unlock them. Some of these abilities include Counterspell, Beast Shape, and even permanent Charisma boosts – very powerful stuff.

However, all your party members will disapprove. They can be later persuaded to transform themselves, but they will all be extremely resistant to the idea.

As for the game’s narrative, while becoming just a half-Illithid has no major impact, it opens the door later down the line to become a full Illithid. Fully transforming into a Mind Flayer will dramatically change the game’s ending, so be careful going down this path.

Should you evolve or not? – BG3

Larian Studios

On the whole, there aren’t many downsides to becoming half-Illithid, at least in the short term. For a slightly uglier appearance, you’ll gain access to some powerful abilities and the option to become a full Mind Flayer later in the story if you wish.

However, it won’t win you any friends, and people out in the world may not like your new form. If you’re aiming to be a truly Lawful Good character, then you shouldn’t take the transformation. Similarly, if you plan to go against the Emperor, siding with the Absolute, then transforming is a bad idea.

It makes this mostly a roleplaying decision, but if you want to become as powerful as possible, then yes, you should evolve into a half-Illithid.