Path of Exile 2: The Slithering Dead Quest Guide

Quick Links

• 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 discover 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, with different rewards each time, making your choice crucial. Here's a detailed look at the options:

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

After some dialogue, Servi presents you with three rewards to choose from. Your decision is final, so consider carefully:

• Venom Draught of Stone: Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold. This option is less appealing as it only protects against the Stunned status effect, which is less common than other ailments. It might be useful for certain Warrior builds that struggle with Stun.

• Venom Draught of the Veil: Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold. This is a solid choice for classes like Witch and Sorceress, who typically don't face mana issues. It reduces the likelihood of suffering from Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, or Shock.

• Venom Draught of Clarity: Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate. This is the safest and most universally beneficial choice, particularly for melee characters like Monks and Warriors who often need more mana regeneration during critical moments.

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

In Act 3 Cruel, you face another set of three Venom Draughts:

• Venom Draught of the Lost: Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance. This is the top choice for most builds due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. It's a valuable boost that's hard to come by.

• Venom Draught of the Sky: Grants +5 to All Attributes. This is a good alternative for builds using the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node, which makes characters immune to Chaos damage but reduces their HP to 1. It's beneficial when paired with Eternal Youth for Energy Shield builds.

• Venom Draught of the Marshes: Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you. While useful, it's generally less impactful compared to the other two options.

Choosing wisely in The Slithering Dead can significantly enhance your gameplay experience in Path of Exile 2.