Quick Links
The Slithering Dead is a side quest in Path of Exile 2 where 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 can be tricky. You get only one choice from three options, and it's 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) and find the Venom Crypts entrance. It's next to the Jungle Ruins 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 it initially; you can return later.
Explore the Venom Crypts until you find a corpse in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. Its location is randomized, but always far from the entrance.
Interact with the corpse to automatically obtain the Corpse-Snake Venom. Return to the Ziggurat Encampment and give the venom to Servi to complete The Slithering Dead.
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. The rewards differ each time, making each choice unique.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3
Servi will offer three rewards. Choose wisely; your decision is final. The options are:
| Venom Draught of Stone | Venom Draught of the Veil | Venom Draught of Clarity |
|---|---|---|
| Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold | Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold | Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate |
The choice is permanent. You can't change your mind after consuming a draught on that character.
The Venom Draught of Clarity (25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate) is generally the safest and most universally useful option, especially for melee builds that often struggle with mana.
Venom Draught of the Veil (30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold) is a strong second choice, particularly for classes like Witch and Sorceress who usually don't have mana issues. It reduces the chance of being afflicted by elemental ailments.
Venom Draught of Stone is the least desirable, as increased Stun Threshold is less impactful than ailment resistance. However, some Warrior builds might find it useful.
Slithering Dead Reward Choice in Act 3 Cruel (Act 6)
Again, you'll choose from three Venom Draughts:
| Venom Draught of the Lost | Venom Draught of the Sky | Venom Draught of the Marshes |
|---|---|---|
| Grants +10% to Chaos Resistance | Grants +5 to All Attributes | Grants 15% Reduced Slowing Potency of Debuffs on you |
The Venom Draught of the Lost (+10% Chaos Resistance) is almost always the best choice. Chaos Resistance is harder to obtain than other resistances.
The exception is builds using the Chaos Inoculation (CI) node, which makes you immune to Chaos damage but reduces HP to 1, often paired with Eternal Youth. For these builds, Venom Draught of the Sky (+5 to all Attributes) is preferable.
