Among the many achievements in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Mind Blown” achievement stands out for its mix of combat strategy, class abilities, and sheer creativity. It’s not something you’ll stumble upon by accident during casual play. Instead, unlocking this achievement requires a specific set of conditions and the right tools at your disposal. While it’s not the most difficult achievement in the game, it can be a bit confusing if you’re not sure what to look for. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to unlock the BG3 Mind Blown achievement, including where to go, what you need, and how to execute it properly.
What Is the Mind Blown Achievement?
The Mind Blown achievement in Baldur’s Gate 3 is unlocked by using a particular Illithid power during combat. Specifically, it requires the use of the Explode Head ability to kill a target. This isn’t something that becomes available early in the game it involves progressing through certain story elements and investing in the use of tadpole powers, which are considered morally gray or even dangerous by many characters in the story.
This achievement ties into the broader theme of Illithid influence in Baldur’s Gate 3. Throughout the game, your character is infected with a mind flayer tadpole, and using its powers grants special abilities at the cost of potential corruption. The Explode Head ability is one such power, and it’s as brutal as it sounds. When used effectively, it not only eliminates an enemy instantly but also leaves behind a visceral spectacle worthy of its achievement title.
How to Unlock Illithid Powers
Before you can even think about unlocking the Mind Blown achievement, you’ll need access to Illithid powers. These powers are tied to the tadpole you carry inside you, and they can be unlocked through gameplay progression and choices you make during your journey.
Steps to Access Illithid Powers
- Find and collect other tadpoles from infected NPCs or enemies.
- Use the Consume Tadpole mechanic from the character menu to expand your pool of abilities.
- Engage with characters and story elements that involve the Absolute and Illithid symbology to gain additional context and power upgrades.
As you progress and absorb more tadpoles, you’ll unlock a tree of Illithid powers. One of the later abilities in this progression is Explode Head. Make sure you have enough tadpoles consumed to unlock this specific power before attempting the achievement.
How to Use Explode Head in Combat
Once you’ve unlocked the Explode Head power, using it is relatively straightforward but it does have some limitations. This is a single-target ability and requires that the enemy’s health be low enough to guarantee a kill. It is not guaranteed to succeed if the target is still at high health, so using it strategically is important.
Tips for Success
- Weaken the enemy first using standard attacks or area-of-effect spells.
- Target isolated enemies to avoid wasting the ability on mobs with resistance.
- Save the ability for a moment when you’re sure it will land the killing blow.
- Consider using a companion with high initiative to set up the combo.
Once you land a successful kill using Explode Head, the Mind Blown achievement should pop up immediately, confirming that you’ve met the criteria.
Best Classes and Builds for Unlocking the Achievement
Since Illithid powers are accessible to all characters regardless of class, any build can technically unlock the achievement. However, some classes and party compositions make it easier due to synergy with spellcasting, mobility, and control abilities.
Recommended Classes
- SorcererHigh spell damage and flexible casting make it easy to weaken enemies before using Explode Head.
- WizardAccess to utility and control spells can help set up the right conditions for a finishing move.
- WarlockTheir eldritch abilities and ranged attacks pair well with Illithid powers.
- RogueIf you prefer high initiative and targeted strikes, a rogue can soften up enemies quickly for the kill.
Team Composition
Building a party that supports single-target focus is ideal. Use one or two high-damage characters to bring an enemy’s health down, while the character with Explode Head delivers the final strike. Having a healer or buffer in the group helps maintain the setup without unnecessary risk.
Where to Find the Right Enemies
Technically, any enemy in the game can be a target for Explode Head, but certain situations make it easier than others. If you’re actively hunting for the achievement, look for solo enemies or small groups in mid to late game zones where you already have the ability unlocked.
Suggested Locations
- Moonrise TowersThe enemies here are spread out enough to isolate and execute.
- UnderdarkThis zone includes plenty of manageable fights with lower-health enemies that are great for testing out powers.
- Act 2 EncountersMany side quests in Act 2 present ideal conditions for using Illithid abilities without major consequences to the main story.
If you’re having trouble finding the right scenario, try backtracking to earlier zones and testing the ability on remaining hostile targets.
Roleplaying and Consequences
Using Illithid powers, including Explode Head, may have consequences depending on how you’re roleplaying your character. Some companions disapprove of heavy tadpole usage, and certain story branches will react differently if you’re perceived as embracing the power of the mind flayers.
This doesn’t directly affect the achievement itself, but it might influence your long-term story path, companion loyalty, or dialogue options. If you’re aiming for a pure or good playthrough, weigh the moral implications before going full tadpole.
Managing Reputation with Companions
- Limit use of tadpole powers in front of judgmental companions like Shadowheart or Wyll.
- Use long rests to reset party mood after questionable decisions.
- Explore alternative dialogue paths that maintain your power while softening the perception of corruption.
Achievement Rewards and Completionists
Unlocking Mind Blown won’t give you in-game items or stat boosts, but it contributes to your overall trophy or achievement progress for the game. For players on Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation, this adds to your 100% completion status.
It also serves as a fun nod to the more twisted side of BG3’s gameplay mechanics. Not every player will take the Illithid path, so having this achievement marks your willingness to explore the full range of what the game offers.
The Mind Blown achievement in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a great example of how the game encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and exploration of its darker narrative themes. While it requires some setup and the willingness to embrace Illithid powers, it offers a unique and satisfying moment in combat especially when the enemy’s head explodes in a burst of psychic energy.
Whether you’re a completionist hunting down every hidden achievement or a player curious about the full potential of tadpole powers, going after Mind Blown is both fun and rewarding. Just make sure your companions aren’t watching too closely you might blow more than just an enemy’s mind.