Path of Exile 2: Slithering Dead Quest Guide Unveiled

Author : Christopher May 06,2025

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In Path of Exile 2, The Slithering Dead is an intriguing side quest that you'll encounter in Act 3. Servi, the local guide at the Ziggurat Encampment, seeks your assistance in uncovering the secrets of a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While navigating this quest is relatively straightforward, the real challenge lies in choosing the right reward from Servi. You can only pick one of the three possible rewards, and this choice is permanent and irreversible.

The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough (Step-by-Step)

To embark on The Slithering Dead quest, head to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). Look for the entrance to the Venom Crypts, which is conveniently located next to the Jungle Ruins Waypoint. Note that the Jungle Ruins map has two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. The latter leads to the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, but the Venom Crypts entrance is easily missed as it's not essential for the main storyline. Don't worry if you miss it during your initial playthrough; you can always return to it later, even after reaching the endgame.

Once inside the Venom Crypts, explore the area thoroughly until you stumble upon a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. The location of this den is randomized, but it's typically far from the entrance. Interact with the Corpse to automatically collect the Corpse-Snake Venom. Then, teleport back to the Ziggurat Encampment and hand over the Venom to Servi to complete The Slithering Dead quest.

Which Venom Draught Quest Reward Should You Choose in The Slithering Dead in PoE 2

The Slithering Dead quest repeats in both Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, each time offering different rewards. Let's break down the choices for each act:

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

Upon completing the quest, Servi presents you with three reward options. Remember, your choice is final, so choose wisely:

  • Venom Draught of Stone: Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold. This option is the least appealing as Stun is less common compared to other status ailments. However, it might be beneficial for certain Warrior builds that struggle with Stun.

  • Venom Draught of the Veil: Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold. This is a solid choice, particularly for classes like Witch and Sorceress, who are less likely to suffer from mana issues. It reduces the chance of being affected by Bleed, Poison, Chill, Freeze, Ignite, Electrocute, or Shock.

  • Venom Draught of Clarity: Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate. This is the safest and most universally useful choice for most builds in PoE 2, especially for melee classes like Monks and Warriors who often face mana regeneration challenges.

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)

In Act 3 Cruel, the rewards change, and you'll face another set of choices:

  • Venom Draught of the Lost: Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance. This is by far the best choice for most builds, as Chaos Resistance is harder to come by compared to elemental resistances like Fire, Lightning, and Cold. The exception is for builds using the Chaos Inoculation Node, which makes characters immune to Chaos damage.

  • Venom Draught of the Sky: Grants +5 to All Attributes. This is a good alternative for builds utilizing Chaos Inoculation, as it provides a boost to all attributes.

  • Venom Draught of the Marshes: Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you. While useful, it's generally less impactful compared to the other two options.

Remember, your choices in both acts are crucial and will affect your gameplay. Choose wisely to maximize your character's potential in Path of Exile 2.