Path of Exile 2: The Slithering Dead Quest Guide

Quick Links

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

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

The Slithering Dead is a side quest in Path of Exile 2. Servi, the guide in the Ziggurat Encampment, needs your help uncovering secrets about a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. The quest itself is straightforward, but choosing the right reward is where things get tricky. You only get one of three rewards, and your choice is permanent.

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

To begin The Slithering Dead, head to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel). Find the Venom Crypts entrance next to the Waypoint.

The Jungle Ruins map has two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. The Infested Barrens continue the main Legacy of the Vaal questline, while the Venom Crypts are optional. Don't worry if you miss them initially; you can return later.

Explore the Venom Crypts until you locate a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. Its location is randomized, but always far from the entrance.

Interact with the Corpse to obtain the 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, appearing in Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel. Rewards differ each time, making each choice unique.

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

Servi will offer three rewards. Choose carefully; your decision is final. The options are:

The Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate) is generally the safest and most universally useful choice, especially for melee builds that often struggle with mana.

Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong alternative, particularly for classes like Witch and Sorceress who typically don't face mana issues.

Venom Draught of Stone is the least desirable option, as Stun Threshold is less impactful than ailment resistance. However, some Warrior builds might find it beneficial.

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

Again, three Venom Draughts are available:

The Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is usually the best choice. Chaos Resistance is harder to obtain than other resistances.

The exception is builds using the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node, which grants chaos immunity but reduces HP to 1. For these builds, Venom Draught of the Sky (+5 to all Attributes) is preferable.