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The Slithering Dead is a side quest in Path of Exile 2 where Servi, the guide in the Ziggurat Encampment, needs your help uncovering secrets about a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. The quest itself is straightforward, but choosing the reward can be tricky. You get only one choice from three options, and it's 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. The Infested Barrens continue the main Legacy of the Vaal questline, while the Venom Crypts are 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. The exact location is randomized, but it's always far from the entrance.
Interact with the Corpse to obtain Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and give 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 repeatable quest, appearing in Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel. Rewards differ each time, making each choice unique.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3
Servi will offer three rewards; choose wisely as your decision is final. The options are:
| Venom Draught of Stone | Venom Draught of the Veil | Venom Draught of Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold | Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold | Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate |
The Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate) is generally the best choice, especially for melee builds often lacking mana regeneration.
Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong alternative, particularly for classes less concerned with mana.
Venom Draught of Stone is the least desirable, as Stun Threshold is less impactful than ailment resistance. However, some Warrior builds might find it useful.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)
Again, you'll choose from three Venom Draughts:
| Venom Draught of the Lost | Venom Draught of the Sky | Venom Draught of the Marshes |
|---|---|---|
| Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance | Grants +5 to All Attributes | Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you |
The Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is superior in most cases, as Chaos Resistance is harder to obtain than other resistances.
The exception is builds utilizing 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.
