Crushing BG3 as a Hexblade Warlock: Top 5 Illithid Powers to Dominate in 2026

Let's be real. When I first got infested with that wriggly little brain worm in Baldur's Gate 3, I was mostly concerned with the whole 'turning into a Mind Flayer' thing. But you know what they say: if life gives you tadpoles, make mind-shattering superpowers. Fast forward to 2026, and my Hexblade Warlock is basically a one-person army, courtesy of some very strategic Illithid Power choices. Who knew psychic upgrades could be this much fun?

Alright, fellow adventurers, strap in. Whether you're the face-punching type or a strategic blast-lover, choosing the right Illithid Powers is like picking the perfect seasoning for your eldritch stew. It can make all the difference between being a hero and being a smear on the cobblestones of the Lower City. So, what's a Hexblade to do?

1. The Ledge-Lover's Delight: Displace

Every Warlock's best friend is that trusty old ud83dudd25Eldritch Blast. For my Hexblade, who loves to get up close and personal, it's my backup plan. But let's be honest, sometimes whacking a goblin with a sword gets old. That's where Displace comes in clutch.

Think about it. I've already got Repelling Blast to knock enemies off cliffs. Why not make that fall even more... impactful? Displace adds that sweet, sweet +1d8 Psychic damage when I force a target to move. That goblin on the rampart? A one-way ticket to splat-town with a side of psychic trauma. It’s a low-cost upgrade that turns my reliable Cantrip into a battlefield control AND damage tool. Talk about efficiency!

Why it Synergizes:

• Combo City: Pair with Repelling & Agonizing Blast Invocations.

• Cheap & Cheerful: Only costs a few precious tadpoles.

• Versatile: Works on any forced movement, not just blasts.

2. The Angry & Efficient Retort: Psionic Backlash

Picture this. I'm on the front lines, swinging my pact blade. Some cheeky wizard decides to cast a spell at me. My first instinct? Hellish Rebuke. That's great, but it costs a spell slot. For a Warlock with two (maybe three) slots per short rest, that's a precious resource!

Enter Psionic Backlash. It's my new favorite way of saying "How dare you?" Without spending a single spell slot. When an enemy casts a spell within 60ft (even if it's not at me!), I can slap them with 2d8 Psychic damage and potentially mess up their concentration. As a Hexblade, I'm in the thick of it, so enemies are always casting near me. It’s free reactive damage! Why use my limited magical fuel when I can use my unlimited psychic rage?

Why it’s a Must-Have:

• Spell Slot Saver: Reacts without consuming Pact Magic slots.

• Disruption Duty: Can break enemy concentration on nasty spells.

• Long Range: 60ft range means I can punish casters hiding in the back.

3. The Power Play: Favorable Beginnings

First impressions matter, especially when the impression is my greatsword in a monster's face. As a Hexblade, my first attack of a fight is crucial. Do I land my Booming Blade? Do I hit with advantage thanks to someone's Faerie Fire?

Favorable Beginnings is the ultimate setup. It adds a +1d4 to my first Attack Roll or Saving Throw against a target in the entire combat. Not just the first turn—the first check against them, period. This means my big, alpha-strike hit is way more likely to connect. Securing that first hit to apply Hex or Hexblade's Curse is a game-changer for DPS. It's like the tadpole is whispering, "Hey, don't screw this up."

4. The 'Delete Button': Luck of the Far Realms

Now we're getting into the good stuff. The big guns. The "I win" button. Luck of the Far Realms guarantees one Critical Hit per Long Rest on a successful attack. Just... think about that for a second.

My Hexblade's weapon attacks already hit like a truck loaded with bricks. With Smite Spells (like Branding Smite), Hex, and Hexblade's Curse all stacking on a single attack, a guaranteed crit isn't just strong—it's apocalyptic. I've used this to vaporize supporting mages before they could utter a single "Fireball." And here's the best part: if I'm swimming in spare tadpoles, I can give this power to everyone in my party who deals massive single-hit damage. Imagine a whole squad triggering guaranteed crits on the same turn. Boss fights? What boss fights?

The Crit-Math is Beautiful:

Damage Source	Normal Hit	Critical Hit (Luck of the Far Realms)
Pact Greatsword	2d6+CHA Slashing	4d6+CHA Slashing
Divine Smite (Level 2 Slot)	3d8 Radiant	6d8 Radiant
TOTAL Potential	~25-30 damage	~50-60+ damage

5. The Glass Cannon's Fuel: Psionic Overload

So, I'm a frontline DPS with a Charisma-based sword. I've got decent AC, but I'm no tank. My strategy is simple: kill everything before it kills me. For that, I need to hit harder. Psionic Overload is my secret sauce.

This toggleable power gives my weapon attacks +1d4 Psychic damage, but at the cost of 1-4 Psychic damage to myself each time I hit. It’s a double-edged sword (pun intended). But here's the trick—with a dedicated healer like Shadowheart in the party, that self-damage is a trivial nuisance compared to the massive damage boost I'm outputting. It turns every single one of my hits into a mini-psychic explosion. Against a high-HP boss, that extra d4 on every single attack adds up insanely fast.

Is it worth the pain? Let's see:

• Pros: Consistent, significant damage boost. Toggle on/off as needed.

• Cons: You will need healing. Don't try this without a cleric or potions.

• Verdict: For a max-damage Hexblade, it's an absolute no-brainer in 2026.

So there you have it, my blueprint for absolute mayhem as a Hexblade Warlock in the current meta. These five Illithid Powers turn an already strong class into a versatile, devastating force of nature. Will you choose Displacement for control? Or go all-in on Luck of the Far Realms for that one glorious, fight-ending strike? The choice is yours. Just remember: the tadpole isn't a curse. It’s an upgrade. Now get out there and show those cultists what a real power trip looks like!