There are so many cool spells available in Baldur's Gate 3, from speaking with the dead to reading minds, and players can gain access to each of them during their playthrough of the sprawling RPG. In Baldur's Gate 3, the ability to read an NPC's mind comes from the Detect Thoughts spell, which requires the player to unlock and cast the spell before delving into someone's mind.
By taking the time to read someone's mind, it's possible to gain new information about the area, specific quests, and other essential information that may help in the short- and long term. This guide will go over how to read minds in Baldur's Gate 3 and the requirements for doing so!
Updated by Abigail Angell on August 22nd, 2023: Baldur's Gate 3 is many people's first experience with the D&D 5e system. As a result, the wealth of spells and classes can be confusing. To help out our readers, we've linked to spells and classes wherever they're mentioned.
How To Read Minds
The only surefire way to read minds in Baldur's Gate 3 is via Detect Thoughts. This unique ability comes as a spell, available for the Wizard, Warlock, or Bard at level 2 or through a scroll found within the game world. Furthermore, players can purchase said scroll by visiting Blurg in the Underdark during Act 1. Alternatively, it will occasionally drop as random loot from enemies or in crates/chests throughout the game.
But for those players who did not opt for a magic-casting companion in their party, there's one final way to read minds. That's the Uncovered Mysteries Amulet. It includes Detect Thoughts and is found in the Arcane Tower in the Underdark. Of course, one party member must always wear the amulet to use the ability.
Which Classes Can Use Detect Thoughts?
While we briefly mentioned that the Wizard, Warlock, and Bard might use Detect Thoughts, the total number of classes that can take advantage of the mind-reading ability is extensive.
- Bard
- College of Lore (Bard Subclass)
- College of Valour (Bard Subclass)
- College of Swords (Bard Subclass)
- Sorcerer
- The Great Old One (Warlock Subclass)
- Wizard
- Circle of the Spores (Druid Subclass)
- Abjuration School (Wizard Subclass)
- Necromancy School (Wizard Subclass)
- Conjuration School (Wizard Subclass)
- Enchantment School (Wizard Subclass)
- Divination School (Wizard Subclass)
- Illusion School (Wizard Subclass)
- Transmutation School (Wizard Subclass)
- Evocation School (Wizard Subclass)
Using The Mind Reading Spell
There are limits to Detect Thoughts. For instance, players cannot read minds in combat, only during conversations. There are two choices available here; players may cast the spell and initiate conversation or wait for the dialogue option to appear.
By using Detect Thoughts, players will gain additional knowledge from the speaker in the form of secrets about the area or the current quest they're involved with that can help push the story forward.