Baldur's Gate 3: Are There Any Downsides To Using Illithid Powers?

Over the course of Baldur's Gate 3, you're given access to powers that can make or break the entire course of a battle. These are due to the Mind Flayer tadpole that has been inserted in your Ocular region, which is slowly but surely trying to transform you into one of the squids. You're given the option to use these powers for good, but is there any noticeable downside to it?

Consequences Of Using Illithid Powers

As far as consequences go for using Illithid Powers, there aren't any. Occasionally your usage of your powers will cause judgement from your companions who may disapprove of what you're doing, but other than that there are no immediate changes to you as a character or your morality as a character. However, that all changes towards the tail end of Act 2.

At the end of Act 2, you discover the true nature of your Illithid powers. Regardless of what that nature actually is, you're offered the chance to unlock the higher tier of powers by consuming a special tadpole. If you do this, then you'll see your eyes go black with veins surrounding them and your teeth will rot, but you'll have power that is completely unmatched by anything in the rest of the game, with the ability to transform into a Displacer Beast as one of the best ones.