Path of Exile 2: Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough

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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, seeks your assistance in unraveling the mysteries of a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While navigating the quest is relatively straightforward once you know the route, the real challenge lies in selecting the right reward from the three options Servi offers. Remember, your choice is permanent and cannot be undone.

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

To embark on The Slithering Dead, head to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel) and locate the entrance to the Venom Crypts, which is conveniently situated near the Jungle Ruins Waypoint.

The Jungle Ruins map features two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. While the Infested Barrens advance the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, the Venom Crypts can be easily overlooked as they are not essential for the main storyline. Don't worry if you miss it initially; you can revisit the Venom Crypts even after reaching the endgame.

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.

Interact with the Corpse to automatically collect the Corpse-Snake Venom. Then, teleport back to the Ziggurat Encampment and deliver 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

As a repeat quest, The Slithering Dead appears in both Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, each time offering different rewards. Here's a detailed look at the choices you'll face:

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

After some dialogue, Servi will present you with three quest rewards. Choose wisely, as your decision is final. The rewards for The Slithering Dead are:

• 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

Once chosen, the decision is irreversible. The Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regen Rate) is the most universally beneficial option, particularly for melee characters like Monks and Warriors who often struggle with mana regeneration at crucial times.

The Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong second choice, especially for classes like Witch and Sorceress who typically don't face mana issues. This reward reduces the likelihood of suffering from elemental ailments such as Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, or Shock.

The Venom Draught of Stone is the least appealing option, as it only protects against the Stunned status effect, which is less common than other ailments. However, some Warrior builds might find it useful if they frequently encounter Stun issues.

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

In Act 3 Cruel, you'll again face three different Venom Draughts:

• 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 (+10% to Chaos Resistance) is the top choice here. Chaos Resistance is harder to accumulate compared to elemental resistances, making this a valuable asset for most 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 (+5 to all Attributes) is a better fit, especially when paired with Eternal Youth to adapt Life Flasks for Energy Shield use.