Key Takeaways:

1. The Slithering Dead quest in Path of Exile 2 is an optional side mission in Act 3, offering three permanent character buffs upon completion.
2. Finding the Venom Crypts and Corpse-Snake Venom involves navigating poison-filled dungeons and battling challenging enemies.
3. Choosing the right Venom Draught depends on your build: mana-heavy characters benefit from Clarity, while defensive builds might prefer Stone or Veil.

Path of Exile 2 continues to impress players with its intricate quests and meaningful rewards, and The Slithering Dead in Act 3 is no exception. While entirely optional, this quest grants a permanent buff that can significantly enhance your character, making it a must-do for most adventurers. Let’s break down everything you need to know to complete the quest and choose the best reward for your build.

What is the Slithering Dead Quest?

The Slithering Dead is a side quest introduced in Act 3 of Path of Exile 2. Found in the Jungle Ruins, this quest tasks players with retrieving the Corpse-Snake Venom from the Venom Crypts and returning it to Servi in the Ziggurat Encampment. In return, you’ll choose one of three consumables that provide permanent stat boosts tailored to specific playstyles.

How to Start the Slithering Dead Quest

1. Enter the Jungle Ruins
   • Upon reaching Act 3, explore the Jungle Ruins. The quest will automatically appear in your log once you enter the area for the first time.
2. Locate the Venom Crypts
   • Look for a small ancient temple labelled Venom Crypts. This entrance is typically near a Waypoint, but the exact location may vary due to the randomized map layout.

Navigating the Venom Crypts

The Venom Crypts are a sprawling, poison-filled dungeon. Here’s what you need to know:

• Enemies:
  Expect a high density of serpent-like creatures and enemies that spew poison. Their attacks can quickly overwhelm you in tight spaces.
• Checkpoint:
  As you explore, aim for a Checkpoint near the Den of the Serpent Priestess. This signifies you’re close to your objective.
• Unique Enemy:
  If you encounter the Mighty Silverfist, be cautious. Its attacks are deadly, and it can one-shot unprepared players. However, defeating it rewards you with a Book of Specialisation, granting two Weapon Set skill points a bonus reward worth pursuing.

How to Complete the Quest

1. Search the Den of the Serpent Priestess
   • Inside the Venom Crypts, locate a corpse lying on the ground in an open room near the Checkpoint.
2. Retrieve the Corpse-Snake Venom
   • Inspect the corpse to obtain the quest item, Corpse-Snake Venom.
3. Return to Servi
   • Exit the Venom Crypts and head back to Servi at the Ziggurat Encampment to turn in the quest.

Choosing Your Reward

Upon completing the quest, you’ll receive a choice of one of three Venom Draughts, each providing a unique, permanent buff. Let’s explore the options and which builds they suit best:

1. Venom Draught of Stone
   • Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold.
   • Best for: Defensive characters, especially those using shields and relying on blocking mechanics to mitigate damage.
2. Venom Draught of the Veil
   • Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold.
   • Best for: Builds vulnerable to ailments like shock, chill, or ignite. This buff reduces the chances of being inflicted by these debilitating effects, making it versatile for most classes.
3. Venom Draught of Clarity
   • Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate.
   • Best for: Mana-heavy builds such as spellcasters or any character frequently relying on mana for skills.

Pro Tip: The Venom Draught of the Veil and Clarity are generally more versatile than the Stone option. However, the best choice always depends on your specific build and the challenges you anticipate.

Why Complete the Slithering Dead Quest?

Although this side quest can be skipped, the permanent buffs it offers make it worth your time. Additionally, the experience gained while traversing the Venom Crypts can help level your character, and defeating the Mighty Silverfist provides an additional bonus in the form of skill points.

Tips for Success

• Level Up First:
  Ensure your character is at least level 35 before attempting this quest. The enemies in the Venom Crypts can be punishing if you’re under-levelled.
• Prepare for Poison:
  Equip flasks or gear that mitigate poison damage to survive the toxic environment more effectively.
• Use the Checkpoint:
  Make sure to activate the Checkpoint in the Den of the Serpent Priestess. This will save you from having to backtrack through the dungeon if you die.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I go back and change my Venom Draught choice later?
A: No, the reward is permanent, and you can only choose one Venom Draught per character.

Q: Is this quest mandatory to progress the story?
A: No, the Slithering Dead is a completely optional side quest, but the rewards make it highly beneficial for most builds.

Q: What happens if I don’t defeat the Mighty Silverfist?
A: The Mighty Silverfist is an optional mini-boss. Skipping it won’t affect your ability to complete the quest, but you’ll miss out on the Book of Specialisation reward.

Q: Can I complete this quest in co-op mode?
A: Yes, like most Path of Exile 2 quests, you can team up with friends to tackle the Venom Crypts and claim your reward together.