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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. 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 during your initial playthrough; 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 dynamic maps, 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 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. This option is less appealing as it only protects against the Stunned status effect, which is less common compared to other ailments. However, it might be beneficial for certain Warrior builds that struggle with Stun.
Venom Draught of the Veil: Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold. This is a strong 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'll again face three different 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 utilizing the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node, which grants immunity to Chaos damage but reduces HP to 1. These builds often pair CI with Eternal Youth to use Life Flasks with Energy Shield.
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.
In summary, for Act 3, the Venom Draught of Clarity is the most versatile choice, while in Act 3 Cruel, the Venom Draught of the Lost is the superior option for most builds, except those using Chaos Inoculation, where the Venom Draught of the Sky is preferable.
