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 of the Ziggurat Encampment, seeks your assistance in unraveling the mysteries surrounding a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While the quest itself is straightforward once you know where to go, the challenge lies in selecting the right rewards, as Servi offers three options, but you can only choose one, and this decision is permanent and irreversible.

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 positioned near the Jungle Ruins Waypoint.

The Jungle Ruins map features two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. The latter leads you further along the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, while the Venom Crypts can be easily missed since it's not crucial for the main storyline. Thankfully, you can revisit the Venom Crypts even after reaching the endgame if you missed it during your initial playthrough.

Upon entering the Venom Crypts, explore thoroughly until you discover a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. Although the exact location varies due to the random nature of PoE 2 maps, it's always situated far from the entrance.

Interact with the Corpse to automatically collect the Corpse-Snake Venom. Then, teleport back to the Ziggurat Encampment and hand the Venom over to Servi, completing 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, with different rewards each time, making the choice unique to each encounter. Here are the detailed options:

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

Following a brief dialogue with Servi, you'll be prompted to choose from three distinct quest rewards. Your decision is final, so consider your options carefully. The rewards for The Slithering Dead in Act 3 include:

Once chosen, this decision is set in stone. There's no revisiting Servi to swap your Venom Draught on the same character.

For most builds in PoE 2, the Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regen Rate) stands out as the safest and most universally beneficial choice. This is particularly advantageous for melee characters like Monks and Warriors who frequently struggle with insufficient mana regeneration during crucial moments.

The Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) ranks as the second best option, ideal for classes like Witch and Sorceress who typically don't face mana issues. This reward reduces the likelihood of being afflicted by detrimental effects such as Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, or Shock from enemy attacks.

Lastly, the Venom Draught of Stone is the least appealing option, as it only boosts Stun Threshold, which is less common compared to other status ailments. However, some Warrior builds might find it valuable if they frequently encounter stun issues.

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

In Act 3 Cruel, you're presented with another set of three Venom Draughts to choose from:

The decision here is more straightforward. The Venom Draught of the Lost, offering +10% to Chaos Resistance, is the superior choice for nearly all builds. Unlike elemental resistances such as Fire, Lightning, and Cold, Chaos Resistance is harder to accumulate through gear, making this boost highly valuable.

The only exception to this rule is for builds utilizing the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node in the Passive Tree, which grants immunity to Chaos damage but reduces the character's HP to 1. These builds typically pair CI with Eternal Youth to use Life Flasks with Energy Shield instead of Life, making Energy Shield the sole form of 'life'. For such builds, the Venom Draught of the Sky (+5 to all Attributes) is the better option.