This guide details the Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) side quest, "The Slithering Dead," including a walkthrough and a breakdown of the optimal reward choices.
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The Slithering Dead quest, initiated by Servi in the Ziggurat Encampment, involves uncovering the fate of her son and the secrets of a rival tribe. While the quest itself is relatively simple, selecting the appropriate reward is crucial. Only one reward can be chosen per playthrough, and the decision is irreversible.
The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough
To begin, locate the Venom Crypts entrance within the Jungle Ruins map (Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel). It's situated near the Waypoint. The Venom Crypts are optional; you can revisit them later if missed.
Explore the Venom Crypts until you find a corpse within the Den of the Serpent Priestess (location varies per map instance).
Interact with the corpse to obtain Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to Servi in the Ziggurat Encampment and deliver the venom to complete the quest.
Choosing the Best Venom Draught Reward
The Slithering Dead is repeatable (Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel), offering different rewards each time.
Act 3 Rewards:
- Venom Draught of Stone: 25% increased Stun Threshold.
- Venom Draught of the Veil: 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold.
- Venom Draught of Clarity: 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate.
Recommended Choice (Act 3): Venom Draught of Clarity is generally the best option, particularly beneficial for melee builds often facing mana issues. Venom Draught of the Veil is a strong alternative for builds less reliant on mana. Venom Draught of Stone is the least desirable unless specifically addressing stun vulnerabilities.
Act 3 Cruel (Act 6) Rewards:
- Venom Draught of the Lost: +10% to Chaos Resistance.
- Venom Draught of the Sky: +5 to All Attributes.
- Venom Draught of the Marshes: 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs.
Recommended Choice (Act 3 Cruel): Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is usually the superior choice due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. Only builds utilizing Chaos Inoculation might prefer Venom Draught of the Sky for the attribute boost.
Remember, your choice is permanent. Carefully consider your build and playstyle before selecting your reward.
