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, recruits you to unravel 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. The latter advances the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, while the Venom Crypts are optional and easy to miss. Don't worry if you bypass them 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 varies due to the random nature of PoE 2 maps, but it's always distant from the entrance.

Interact with the Corpse to collect the Corpse-Snake Venom automatically. Then, teleport back to the Ziggurat Encampment and deliver the Venom to Servi to complete The Slithering Dead.

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

This quest repeats in Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, each time presenting different rewards. Here's a detailed look at your options:

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

After some dialogue, Servi will prompt you to choose one of three Venom Draughts. Your decision is final, so choose wisely. The rewards 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

The Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regen Rate) is the most versatile and beneficial for most builds, particularly for melee characters like Monks and Warriors who often struggle with mana regeneration.

The Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong second choice, ideal for classes like Witch and Sorceress who rarely face mana issues. It reduces the likelihood of suffering from Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, or Shock.

The Venom Draught of Stone (25% increased Stun Threshold) is the least appealing, as Stun is less common than other status ailments. However, some Warrior builds might find it useful.

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

In Act 3 Cruel, you'll face another set of 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 hard to come by and crucial for most builds, making this reward highly valuable.

The only exception is for builds utilizing the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node, 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 preferable, especially when paired with Eternal Youth to adapt Life Flasks for Energy Shield use.