This guide details the Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) side quest, "The Slithering Dead," including a walkthrough and a comprehensive analysis of the 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 straightforward, selecting the appropriate reward from Servi's three options is crucial and 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 not essential for main quest progression, but revisiting is possible even after reaching the endgame.
Explore the Venom Crypts until you find a corpse within the Den of the Serpent Priestess (location varies due to map randomization).
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 Your Venom Draught Reward
The Slithering Dead is a repeatable quest (Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel), offering different rewards each time. The choice is permanent.
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.
Recommendation: Venom Draught of Clarity is generally the safest and most universally beneficial option, particularly for melee builds often facing mana limitations. Venom Draught of the Veil is a strong alternative for builds less concerned with mana. Venom Draught of Stone is the least desirable unless specifically addressing stun vulnerabilities in a build.
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.
Recommendation: Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is overwhelmingly superior due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. The only exception is builds utilizing Chaos Inoculation, where Venom Draught of the Sky might be preferable.
Remember, your choice is final. Carefully consider your build and long-term needs before selecting your reward.
