Path of Exile 2: Guide to The Slithering Dead Quest

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• The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough (Step-by-Step)

• Which Venom Draught Quest Reward Should You Choose in The Slithering Dead in PoE 2

The Slithering Dead is an engaging side quest in Path of Exile 2 where Servi, the local guide at the Ziggurat Encampment, recruits you to unravel the mysteries of a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While navigating this quest is relatively straightforward once you know the way, the real challenge lies in choosing the right reward from the options Servi offers at the end. Remember, your choice is permanent and cannot be changed.

The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough (Step-by-Step)

To embark on The Slithering Dead, make your way to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). Look for the entrance to the Venom Crypts, conveniently located next to the Jungle Ruins Waypoint.

The Jungle Ruins map features two exits: one leading to the Venom Crypts and another to the Infested Barrens, which continues the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal. The entrance to the Venom Crypts can be easily overlooked as it's not essential for the main storyline, but you can revisit it even after reaching the endgame if you miss it initially.

Once inside the Venom Crypts, explore thoroughly until you find a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. The location of this area is randomized, typical of PoE 2's map design, but it's always distant from the entrance.

Upon interacting with the Corpse, your character will automatically collect the Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and hand over the Venom to Servi to successfully complete The Slithering Dead.

Which Venom Draught Quest Reward Should You Choose in The Slithering Dead in PoE 2

You'll encounter The Slithering Dead twice, once in Act 3 and again in Act 3 Cruel. Each instance offers unique rewards, so consider your choices carefully as they are permanent.

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

After some dialogue with Servi, you'll be prompted to select one of three quest rewards. Here are your options:

• Venom Draught of Stone: Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold.
• Venom Draught of the Veil: Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold.
• Venom Draught of Clarity: Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate.

The Venom Draught of Clarity is the most universally beneficial choice, particularly for melee builds like Monks and Warriors who often struggle with mana regeneration at crucial times.

For classes like Witch and Sorceress, who typically don't face mana issues, the Venom Draught of the Veil is a strong second choice. It increases resistance to elemental ailments such as Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, and Shock.

The Venom Draught of Stone is the least appealing due to the rarity of the Stun status effect, though it may be useful for some Warrior builds that frequently encounter stuns.

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)

In Act 3 Cruel, you'll have another set of three Venom Draughts to choose from:

• Venom Draught of the Lost: Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance.
• Venom Draught of the Sky: Grants +5 to All Attributes.
• Venom Draught of the Marshes: Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you.

The Venom Draught of the Lost stands out as the top choice due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. This bonus is highly valuable for almost all builds.

The only exception is for builds utilizing the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node in the Passive Tree, which grants immunity to Chaos damage but reduces HP to 1. For these builds, the Venom Draught of the Sky is preferable for its boost to all attributes.