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The Slithering Dead is a side quest in Path of Exile 2 where Servi, the Ziggurat Encampment guide, seeks your help in uncovering a rival tribe's secrets and the fate of her son, Apus. While the quest itself is straightforward, choosing the right reward can be tricky. You only get one choice, and it's permanent.
The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough (Step-by-Step)
To begin The Slithering Dead, enter the Jungle Ruins map (Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel) and locate the Venom Crypts entrance next to the Waypoint.
The Jungle Ruins map has two exits: Venom Crypts and Infested Barrens. Infested Barrens continues the main Legacy of the Vaal questline, while Venom Crypts is optional but accessible even after reaching the endgame.
Explore the Venom Crypts until you find a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess (its location varies on each map).
Interact with the Corpse to obtain Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and give the Venom to Servi to complete the quest.
Which Venom Draught Quest Reward Should You Choose in The Slithering Dead in PoE 2?
The Slithering Dead is a repeatable quest (Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel), offering different rewards each time.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3
Servi will offer three Venom Draughts; choose wisely, as your decision is final. The options are:
| Venom Draught of Stone | Venom Draught of the Veil | Venom Draught of Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| 25% increased Stun Threshold | 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold | 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate |
The Venom Draught of Clarity (increased Mana Regeneration) is generally the best choice, especially for mana-hungry melee builds. Venom Draught of the Veil (increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong alternative for classes less concerned with mana. Venom Draught of Stone (increased Stun Threshold) is the least desirable, unless your build struggles significantly with stuns.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)
Three more Venom Draughts await:
| Venom Draught of the Lost | Venom Draught of the Sky | Venom Draught of the Marshes |
|---|---|---|
| +10% to Chaos Resistance | +5 to All Attributes | 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you |
The Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is usually the superior choice due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. The only exception is builds using Chaos Inoculation (CI), which benefit more from Venom Draught of the Sky (+5 to All Attributes).
