Who are the Mind Flayers in Baldur’s Gate 3: Illithids explained

Udit Surve
Mind Flayer in Baldur's Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that takes after the realm of Dungeons and Dragons, where you will face the threat of the Illithids or Mind Flayers. These are evil creatures that use their psychic abilities to enslave and consume other races. Here’s everything you need to know about Mind Flayers in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that has a vast and immersive campaign that features many characters, both friend and foe. You can interact with animals like the Owlbear, play as characters of different races, and face various villains.

One of the most fascinating and formidable villains in Baldur’s Gate 3 are the Mind Flayers. These are creatures that can use their psychic powers to devour your intelligence and enslave your mind. You will encounter them in some of the most challenging and thrilling battles in the game.

And if you are planning to play Baldur’s Gate 3, you should be prepared to meet the Mind Flayers sooner or later. They are not easy to defeat, and they have a sinister agenda. To help you understand them better, here is everything you need to know about the Mind Flayers or Illithids in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Mind Flayer in Bladur's Gate 3.
Mind Falyers’ melee attack can drain 5 points of Intelligence on hit.

Who are the Mind Flayers in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Mind Flayers in Baldur’s Gate 3 are monstrous humanoids that feed on other beings. These are one of the most fearsome enemies you will encounter, and play a vital role in the game’s main story. They have squid-like heads with tentacles that can lash out at their foes and powerful psionic abilities. However, you won’t be able to play as them in the game.

You might also hear them called Illithids in the game. These creatures originate from the Dungeons and Dragons universe, where they are notorious for their mind-control powers. They can bend the will of other humanoids and enslave them for their own purposes.

But that’s not the worst thing about the Mind Flayers or Illithids. They also have a horrifying method of creating more of their kind, called Ceremorphosis. They implant an Illithid tadpole into a host’s eye, which slowly transforms the host into a new Mind Flayer. This is how the game starts, with your character infected with an Illithid tadpole. You will have to find a way to cure yourself before it’s too late.

Where are the Mind Flayers located in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You will encounter your first Illithid right in the opening scene, where you find yourself on a Nautiloid – a living, organic ship that the Mind Flayers use.

Later on, you will come across more Mind Flayers in different game locations, usually with some thralls under their control. However, be warned that these encounters are not easy. The Mind Flayers’ terrifying looks and powerful abilities make them formidable enemies.

Some of the other locations where you can find Mind Flayers or their parasites in Baldur’s Gate 3 are:

  • The Ravaged Beach, where you can find an injured Mind Flayer that is trying to persuade a group of people to help it.
  • The Secluded Cove, where you can find a mind-flayer pod that contains Shadowheart, a potential companion.
  • The Goblin Camp and the Shattered Sanctum, where you can find several True Souls who are loyal to the Mind Flayers and have their powers. These include High Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara.
  • The Grymforge, where you can find True Soul Nere, a dwarf who is working on a device that can remove the tadpole from your brain.
  • The Last Light Inn, where you can find Flaming Fist Marcus, a mercenary who is infected by a tadpole and is looking for a cure.
  • The Moonrise Towers, where you can find Disciple Z’rell and Linsella, two followers of the Absolute who are guarding the entrance to the Nautiloid crash site.

Mind Flayers’ abilities and powers in Baldur’s Gate 3

The Illithids have some of the most amazing psionic powers in Baldur’s Gate 3. They can take over the minds of others, alter their perceptions, and read their thoughts. This ability alone makes them cunning enemies and can cause chaos among allies.

They also have powerful spells that can deal a lot of damage to single targets or groups. Mind Blast is one of their signature abilities that sends out a psychic wave, stunning and hurting its victims.

Mind Flayers also have telepathy, which allows them to talk silently and over long distances. This makes fighting them difficult, as they can plan and execute strategies with perfect harmony.

That’s all about Mind Flayers in Baldur’s Gate 3. For more Baldur’s Gate 3 content, have a look at:

Baldur’s Gate 3 Feats list | Baldur’s Gate 3 companions list | Who are the Githyanki in Baldur’s Gate 3? | Can you multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3? | What is proficiency in Baldur’s Gate 3 | How to add fire to weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 | How to solve Baldur’s Gate 3 moon door puzzle | What are Origin characters in Baldur’s Gate 3? | How to change your party in Baldur’s Gate 3

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