The Slithering Dead Quest in Path of Exile 2: A Complete Guide

In Path of Exile 2, side quests offer not only rich lore but also significant rewards that can permanently enhance your character’s capabilities. One such quest in Act 3 is The Slithering Dead, which delves into the toxic, venomous horrors of Wraeclast. The quest not only challenges you with dangerous enemies but also offers a permanent buff as a reward. This guide will walk you through how to start and complete The Slithering Dead quest, and help you choose the best reward for your build.

How to Start The Slithering Dead Quest

The Slithering Dead quest begins when you first enter the Jungle Ruins in Act 3. In this area, you will encounter a new danger: the Azakh-Kul poison, a deadly toxin that infects the land and its creatures. Your goal is to uncover the source of the poison and stop it from spreading.

Step 1: Explore the Jungle Ruins

Once you enter the Jungle Ruins, make your way through the dense, treacherous environment. Your primary task is to locate the Venom Crypts, a dungeon housing the source of the poison. The entrance to the Venom Crypts is conveniently located near a Waypoint, making it easier to revisit if needed.

Navigating the Venom Crypts

The Venom Crypts are a sprawling, labyrinthine dungeon filled with poisonous enemies, traps, and hazards. Prepare for a challenging exploration, as finding your objective may take some time.

Step 2: Find the Corpse-Snake Venom

Once inside the Venom Crypts, you need to locate a Corpse-Snake Venom, an item that lies within a room containing a corpse. This is your key to completing the quest. The room with the Corpse-Snake Venom is located shortly after a Checkpoint, so keep an eye out as you progress.

Dealing with Poisonous Enemies

Be cautious of the poisonous enemies throughout the Venom Crypts, as they deal significant Chaos Damage that can quickly drain your health. To survive, it’s essential to have Chaos Resistance and antidote flasks ready.

Tip: Use POE 2 Currency to Prepare

To ensure you can withstand the venomous assault, it’s a good idea to use path of exile 2 currency for crafting or upgrading your gear:

  • Chaos Orbs and Orbs of Alchemy: Craft or upgrade gear with Chaos Resistance modifiers to mitigate poison damage.
  • Glassblower’s Baubles: Improve your flasks to increase their effectiveness and duration.
  • Orb of Alteration: Craft flasks with Poison Immunity to cleanse poison effects.

Managing your currency wisely ensures that you’re well-prepared to face the venomous threats in the Venom Crypts.

Completing the Quest

Once you’ve obtained the Corpse-Snake Venom, your next step is to return to Servi in the Ziggurat Encampment to complete the quest. Hand over the venom to receive your choice of one of three permanent buffs as a reward.

Also read : Path of Exile 2: How to Obtain the Greater Jeweller’s Orb

The Slithering Dead Quest Rewards

Upon completing the quest, you will be given a choice of three Venom Draughts, each granting a different permanent buff. The right choice depends on your build and the challenges you face. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards:

  1. Venom Draught of Stone
    • Effect: Grants 25% increased Stun Threshold.
    • Best Suited For: Melee or tanky builds, especially characters who engage in close combat. This buff reduces the likelihood of being stunned by enemies, allowing you to endure longer in battles.
  2. Venom Draught of the Veil
    • Effect: Grants 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold.
    • Best Suited For: Builds that are vulnerable to Elemental Ailments (Chill, Shock, Ignite, Freeze). This reward offers increased resistance to those debilitating effects, making it a great choice for general survivability.
  3. Venom Draught of Clarity
    • Effect: Grants 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate.
    • Best Suited For: Mana-intensive builds, such as casters or support characters that rely on Mana for frequent skill use. This buff is essential for maintaining high Mana sustain during prolonged combat.

How to Choose the Best Reward for Your Build

Your choice of Venom Draught depends on your build’s specific needs:

  • Venom Draught of Stone: Choose this if you have a tanky or melee build that struggles with Stun effects. It’s a perfect option for close-range combat characters who need to stay mobile and avoid being stunned by enemies.
  • Venom Draught of the Veil: This is ideal if you’re struggling with elemental ailments like Freeze, Shock, or Ignite. If your build doesn’t have high resistance to these effects, this draught can give you crucial protection.
  • Venom Draught of Clarity: For Mana-hungry builds, especially casters or support characters, this is the best option. If you find yourself running out of Mana too often, this buff will significantly improve your Mana regeneration rate, enabling you to use your skills more frequently.

Tip: If you are unsure, consider what challenges you’re facing in Act 3 or your overall playstyle. If you’re frequently stunned, the Stone Draught is your best bet. If you’re being slowed or shocked by elemental effects, go with the Veil Draught. If your Mana sustain is an issue, the Clarity Draught will alleviate that concern.

Conclusion

The Slithering Dead quest in Path of Exile 2 is a rewarding and challenging side quest that provides you with a permanent buff. By navigating the Venom Crypts, surviving poisonous enemies, and obtaining the Corpse-Snake Venom, you can enhance your character with one of three potent rewards. Use poe 2 currency to craft the best possible gear and flasks to survive the poisonous onslaught, and choose your reward wisely to strengthen your build.

Whether you’re bolstering your Stun Threshold, increasing your elemental ailment resistance, or improving your Mana regeneration, The Slithering Dead is a quest worth completing. Good luck, Exile, as you continue your journey through the perilous lands of Wraeclast!

Author: coolyou