Path of Exile 2: The Slithering Dead Quest – A Comprehensive Guide
The Slithering Dead is a rewarding side quest in Path of Exile 2's Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). This guide covers the quest walkthrough and, more importantly, helps you make the optimal choices for the available rewards.
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The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough
This side quest begins in the Ziggurat Encampment with Servi, who seeks your aid in uncovering the fate of her son and the secrets of a rival tribe.
- Locate the Venom Crypts: Enter the Jungle Ruins map (Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel). The Venom Crypts entrance is near the Waypoint, easily missed but accessible even after progressing the main storyline.
- Find the Corpse-Snake Venom: Explore the Venom Crypts until you locate a corpse within the Den of the Serpent Priestess. Its location is randomized within the map.
- Return to Servi: Retrieve the Corpse-Snake Venom and return to Servi in the Ziggurat Encampment to complete the quest.
Choosing the Best Venom Draught Reward
The crux of this quest lies in selecting the right Venom Draught reward. Servi offers three options, and your choice is permanent.
Act 3 Reward Choices
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Venom Draught of Stone: 25% increased Stun Threshold. Generally the least desirable option.
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Venom Draught of the Veil: 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold. A solid choice, particularly for builds vulnerable to elemental ailments.
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Venom Draught of Clarity: 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate. The recommended choice for most builds, especially melee characters often facing mana issues.
Act 3 Cruel (Act 6) Reward Choices
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Venom Draught of the Lost: +10% to Chaos Resistance. The superior choice in almost all cases due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear.
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Venom Draught of the Sky: +5 to All Attributes. Only preferable for Chaos Inoculation (CI) builds.
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Venom Draught of the Marshes: 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs. Generally less impactful than the other options.
Careful consideration of your build's strengths and weaknesses will guide you to the most beneficial reward. Remember, this decision is irreversible!
