Path of Exile 2: The Slithering Dead Quest Guide

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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 a side quest in Path of Exile 2 where Servi, the Ziggurat Encampment guide, needs your help uncovering secrets about a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. The quest itself is fairly straightforward, but choosing the right reward can be tricky. You only get one of three options, and your choice is permanent.

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

To begin The Slithering Dead, head to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). Find the Venom Crypts entrance next to the Waypoint.

The Jungle Ruins map has two exits: Venom Crypts and Infested Barrens. Infested Barrens continues the main Legacy of the Vaal questline, while Venom Crypts is optional. Don't worry if you miss it initially; you can return later.

Explore the Venom Crypts until you locate a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess (its location is random within the map).

Interact with the Corpse to obtain Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and give the Venom to Servi to complete the quest.

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

The Slithering Dead is a repeatable quest, appearing in Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, with different rewards each time.

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

Servi will offer three Venom Draughts; choose wisely, as your decision is final. The options are:

The Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regeneration) is generally the safest and most useful choice, especially for melee builds often lacking mana regeneration.

Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong alternative for builds less concerned with mana, such as Witch or Sorceress builds.

Venom Draught of Stone is the least desirable, as Stun Threshold is less impactful than ailment resistance. However, some Warrior builds might find it beneficial.

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

Again, three Venom Draughts are available:

The Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is usually the best option, as Chaos Resistance is harder to obtain than other resistances.

The exception is builds using Chaos Inoculation (CI), which makes characters immune to Chaos damage but reduces HP to 1. For these builds, Venom Draught of the Sky (+5 to all Attributes) is preferable.