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• 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 captivating side quest in Path of Exile 2, where Servi, the local guide at the Ziggurat Encampment, recruits you to unravel the mysteries surrounding a rival tribe and the fate of her son, Apus. While the quest itself is relatively straightforward once you know the route, the real challenge lies in selecting the right rewards at the end. Servi offers three unique rewards, but you can only choose one, making this decision permanent and irreversible.

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

To embark on The Slithering Dead quest, navigate to the Jungle Ruins map in Act 3 (and Act 3 Cruel) and locate the entrance to the Venom Crypts, conveniently situated next to the Jungle Ruins Waypoint. The map features two exits: the Venom Crypts and the Infested Barrens. The Infested Barrens will advance your progress in the main questline, Legacy of the Vaal, while the Venom Crypts are optional and easily overlooked. Don't worry if you miss it on your first run; you can revisit the Venom Crypts even after reaching the endgame.

Once inside the Venom Crypts, thoroughly explore the area until you encounter a Corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. The exact location of this spot varies due to the random nature of PoE 2 maps, but it's always distant from the entrance. Interact with the Corpse to collect the Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and deliver the Venom to Servi to successfully complete The Slithering Dead.

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

The Slithering Dead reappears in both Act 3 and Act 3 Cruel, each time presenting you with different rewards, hence requiring a different choice. Here's a breakdown of the options:

Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3

Upon completing the quest, Servi will present you with three options. Choose wisely, as your decision is final and cannot be undone. The rewards are:

• Venom Draught of Stone: Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold. This option is the least appealing, as it only protects against the Stunned status effect, which isn't as common as other ailments. However, it may 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 concerned with mana issues. It reduces the likelihood of being affected by elemental ailments such as 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, especially for melee characters like Monks and Warriors, who often face mana regeneration challenges during crucial moments.

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

In Act 3 Cruel, you face another set of three Venom Draughts:

• Venom Draught of the Lost: Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance. This is the top choice for most builds due to the rarity of Chaos Resistance on gear. It's a valuable boost that's hard to come by.

• Venom Draught of the Sky: Grants +5 to All Attributes. This is a good alternative for builds using the Chaos Inoculation (CI) Node, which makes characters immune to Chaos damage but reduces their HP to 1. Paired with Eternal Youth, this choice supports Energy Shield builds.

• Venom Draught of the Marshes: Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you. While useful, it's generally outclassed by the other two options, making it the least preferable choice in most scenarios.

Choosing the right reward in The Slithering Dead can significantly impact your gameplay, so consider your build and playstyle carefully before making your final decision.