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 of the Ziggurat Encampment, recruits you to unravel the mysteries of a rival tribe and discover the fate of her son, Apus. While the quest itself is relatively straightforward, the real challenge lies in selecting the right reward from the options Servi offers at the end. You can only choose one, and this decision is permanent and irreversible.

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

To begin The Slithering Dead, navigate to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel) and find the entrance to the Venom Crypts, which is conveniently located near the Jungle Ruins Waypoint. The map features two exits: one leading to the Venom Crypts and the other to the Infested Barrens, which advances the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal. It's easy to miss the Venom Crypts entrance since it's not necessary for the main storyline, but you can return to it even after entering the endgame.

Once inside the Venom Crypts, explore thoroughly until you find a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. The exact location varies as all maps in PoE 2 are randomly generated, but it's typically far from the entrance. Interact with the Corpse to collect the Corpse-Snake Venom automatically. Then, teleport back to the Ziggurat Encampment and hand over the Venom to Servi to complete The Slithering Dead.

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

The Slithering Dead is a recurring quest that appears in Act 3 and again in Act 3 Cruel. Each instance presents different rewards, requiring a strategic choice each time. 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. Remember, your choice is final and cannot be changed once made. The available 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 safest and most universally beneficial choice for most builds in PoE 2 is the Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regen Rate). This is particularly advantageous for melee characters like Monks and Warriors, who often struggle with mana regeneration at crucial moments.

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

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

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

In Act 3 Cruel, you'll face another decision among 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 notoriously hard to come by in PoE 2, making this a valuable boost for almost all builds.

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 more beneficial, as it complements the CI strategy effectively.