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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, seeks your assistance in unraveling the mysteries of a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While navigating the quest is straightforward, the real challenge lies in selecting the appropriate reward from the three options Servi offers, as this choice is permanent and irreversible.
The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough (Step-by-Step)
To embark on The Slithering Dead, navigate to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel) and locate the entrance to the Venom Crypts, which is conveniently positioned near the Jungle Ruins Waypoint.
The Jungle Ruins map features two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. The latter progresses the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, while the Venom Crypts, though not essential for the main storyline, can be revisited even after reaching the endgame if initially missed.
Upon entering the Venom Crypts, explore the area thoroughly until you encounter a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. Although its precise location varies due to the randomized nature of PoE 2 maps, it's always distant from the entrance.
Interact with the Corpse to obtain the Corpse-Snake Venom automatically. Return 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 The Slithering Dead repeats in both Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, the rewards vary, necessitating a different choice each time. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3
Following a brief dialogue, Servi will prompt you to select one of three quest rewards. This decision is crucial as it cannot be undone. The available rewards for The Slithering Dead 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, offering a 25% increase in Mana Regeneration Rate, emerges as the safest and most universally beneficial option, particularly for melee builds like Monks and Warriors who often struggle with mana regeneration at critical junctures.
The Venom Draught of the Veil, providing a 30% increase in Elemental Ailment Threshold, ranks as the second-best choice, ideal for classes like Witch and Sorceress who rarely face mana issues. This reward reduces the likelihood of being affected by various elemental ailments such as Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, or Shock.
Conversely, the Venom Draught of Stone, which only enhances Stun Threshold, is the least appealing due to the rarity of Stun effects compared to other ailments. However, it may be preferable for certain Warrior builds that frequently encounter Stun issues.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)
Similarly, in Act 3 Cruel, you must choose 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, offering +10% to Chaos Resistance, stands out as the optimal choice. Unlike elemental resistances, Chaos Resistance is challenging to accumulate through gear, making this reward highly valuable for most builds.
An exception exists for builds utilizing the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node in the Passive Tree, which grants immunity to Chaos damage but reduces HP to 1. For these builds, the Venom Draught of the Sky, providing +5 to all Attributes, might be more advantageous.
