BG3: What to Do with the Extra Tadpole?

In Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3), you'll encounter a mind flayer tadpole that latches onto your character's brain. While the main tadpole has a significant impact on the story, you may also encounter additional tadpoles that provide unique opportunities and challenges.

Extract the Tadpole Essence

One option for dealing with the extra tadpole is to extract its essence. This can be done through the Mindflayer's Lair, a hidden location accessible during the Underdark expedition.

Step-by-Step Approach:

1. Find the Mindflayer's Lair: Explore the Underdark to locate the lair, which is hidden in a cave.
2. Confront the Mindflayer: Fight and defeat the mindflayer that resides within the lair.
3. Extract the Tadpole Essence: Once you've defeated the mindflayer, you'll have the option to extract the tadpole essence from the slain creature.

Pros:

• Grants permanent stat bonuses (Strength, Intelligence, or Charisma).
• Provides additional dialogue options and story paths.

Cons:

• Reduces maximum hit points by 10.
• May lead to negative character outcomes if the tadpole's influence grows too strong.

Use the Tadpole for Crafting

Another use for the extra tadpole is to incorporate it into crafting recipes. These recipes can be found in various locations throughout the game.

Useful Table: Crafting Recipes with Tadpole Essence

Pros:

• Create powerful items that can boost your characters' abilities.
• Expand your crafting options and provide unique combat advantages.

Cons:

• Using tadpole essence in crafting can still contribute to the growth of the tadpole's influence.
• Some recipes may require rare or expensive materials.

Sacrifice the Tadpole

If you choose not to extract or use the tadpole for crafting, you can choose to sacrifice it. This option is available during a ritual in the Underdark, where you'll be faced with a choice.

Step-by-Step Approach:

1. Find the Ritual Site: Explore the Underdark to locate the ritual site, which is marked by a large, glowing orb.
2. Initiate the Ritual: Interact with the orb and begin the ritual process.
3. Sacrifice the Tadpole: As part of the ritual, you'll be given the option to sacrifice the extra tadpole.

Pros:

• Removes the extra tadpole's influence from your character.
• Grants a significant experience point bonus.
• Unlocks additional dialogue and story options.

Cons:

• Prevents you from gaining the benefits of extracting or using the tadpole for crafting.
• May lead to negative character outcomes if the sacrifice is not done correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't Ignore the Tadpole's Influence: While the extra tadpole can provide benefits, it's important to monitor its influence over your character. Ignoring it can lead to negative consequences.
• Don't Overuse Tadpole Essence: Using tadpole essence in crafting or consuming it can contribute to the growth of the tadpole's influence. Use it wisely to avoid adverse effects.
• Don't Sacrifice the Tadpole Prematurely: The ritual to sacrifice the tadpole is not available until later in the game. Consider your options carefully before making this decision.

Conclusion

Dealing with the extra tadpole in BG3 presents you with a range of choices that can significantly impact your character's journey. Whether you extract its essence, use it for crafting, or sacrifice it, the decision you make will shape the story you experience and the outcome of your adventure.