Path of Exile 2: The Slithering Dead Quest Guide

This guide explores the "Slithering Dead" side quest in Path of Exile 2, focusing on its walkthrough and optimal reward choices.

Quick Links

• The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough
• Choosing the Best Venom Draught Reward

The Slithering Dead quest, initiated by Servi in the Ziggurat Encampment, involves uncovering the secrets of a rival tribe and the fate of her son. While the quest itself is straightforward, selecting the right reward from three Venom Draughts presents a significant decision. The choice is permanent and irreversible.

The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough

To begin, locate the Venom Crypts entrance adjacent to the Jungle Ruins Waypoint in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). The Venom Crypts are a separate area from the main questline (Legacy of the Vaal). Even if missed initially, you can return later.

Explore the Venom Crypts until you find a corpse within the Den of the Serpent Priestess (location varies due to randomized maps).

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 a repeatable quest, appearing in both Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel (Act 6). Rewards differ between acts.

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 needed to mitigate stun effects.

Act 3 Cruel (Act 6) Rewards:

• 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.

Recommended Choice (Act 3 Cruel): Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is overwhelmingly superior due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. Only builds utilizing Chaos Inoculation with Eternal Youth might prefer Venom Draught of the Sky for the attribute boost.

Remember, your choice is permanent, so plan carefully!