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In Path of Exile 2, The Slithering Dead is a side quest where Servi, the local guide at the Ziggurat Encampment, recruits you to uncover the secrets of a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While the quest itself is straightforward once you know the path, the real challenge comes when choosing your rewards. Servi offers three possible rewards, but you can only select one, and your choice is permanent and irreversible.
The Slithering Dead Quest Walkthrough (Step-by-Step)
Begin The Slithering Dead by entering the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). Locate the entrance to the Venom Crypts, which is conveniently placed next to the Jungle Ruins Waypoint. Note that the Jungle Ruins map has two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. The Infested Barrens continue the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, but the Venom Crypts are optional and can be revisited even in the endgame if you miss them initially.
Once inside the Venom Crypts, explore thoroughly until you find a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. The exact location varies due to the random nature of PoE 2 maps, but it's always distant from the entrance. Interact with the Corpse to obtain the Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and deliver the Venom to Servi to complete The Slithering Dead.
Which Venom Draught Quest Reward Should You Choose in The Slithering Dead in PoE 2
As a repeat quest in both Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, The Slithering Dead presents different rewards each time, necessitating careful decision-making. Here's a detailed look at the rewards:
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3
After some dialogue with Servi, you'll be prompted to choose from three quest rewards. Remember, your choice is final:
Venom Draught of Stone: Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold. This is less appealing as Stun is less common compared to other status ailments. It may be valuable for certain Warrior builds struggling with Stun.
Venom Draught of the Veil: Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold. A solid choice for classes like Witch and Sorceress who don't struggle with 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 beneficial choice, particularly for melee characters like Monks and Warriors who often face mana regeneration challenges.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)
Similarly, in Act 3 Cruel, you face another set of choices:
Venom Draught of the Lost: Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance. This is the best choice for most builds, as Chaos Resistance is harder to acquire compared to other elemental resistances. It's invaluable unless you're using a Chaos Inoculation build.
Venom Draught of the Sky: Grants +5 to All Attributes. This is more suitable for builds using Chaos Inoculation, where the attribute boost can be more beneficial than Chaos Resistance.
Venom Draught of the Marshes: Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you. While useful, it's generally outshined by the other two options due to their broader applicability.
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