Path of Exile 2 offers an expansive world filled with intricate quests, intense challenges, and deep lore. One of the most memorable quests in Act 3 is The Slithering Dead. This quest not only tests your combat skills but also delves into the POE 2 Currency darker side of the game’s narrative. In this guide, we’ll walk through what The Slithering Dead quest entails, how to complete it, and the rewards that await players who brave its challenges.

Quest Overview

The Slithering Dead quest takes place in Act 3 of Path of Exile 2, within the haunted and cursed lands of the Kharan Dunes. This area is rife with undead horrors, and players must navigate the treacherous dunes while uncovering the mysteries surrounding a powerful and malevolent force that controls the risen dead. The quest revolves around investigating a deadly outbreak of reanimated corpses and their connection to an ancient evil.

Quest Objectives

Once you accept The Slithering Dead from the NPC Vayna, a local scholar studying the undead, your mission is to uncover the cause of a zombie plague that has ravaged a nearby village. Here’s a quick breakdown of the objectives:

Investigate the Village: Your first task is to visit the village that has been overrun by the undead. Here, you’ll encounter hordes of reanimated creatures controlled by a mysterious force. As you fight your way through these enemies, look for clues that will help you understand the origins of this outbreak.

Find the Slithering Necromancer: Deep within the village, you'll discover a hidden crypt where the source of the outbreak lies. The necromancer, Zath’kor, has been experimenting with dark magic that reanimates the dead and imbues them with a venomous, slithering power. Defeat him to halt the spread of the plague and prevent further chaos.

Collect Ritual Artifacts: Before you leave the crypt, you’ll need to gather certain ritual artifacts used by Zath’kor to summon and control the undead. These items are crucial for completing the quest and understanding the magic behind the plague.

Return to Vayna: Once you have the artifacts and have defeated Zath'kor, return to Vayna in town to report your findings. She will reward you with valuable loot, new information about the undead outbreak, and a key item that opens the next chapter in your journey.

Tips for Completion

Prepare for Waves of Enemies: As you enter the village and crypt, be ready for waves of undead. Having a build that excels in area-of-effect (AoE) damage will help clear large groups of enemies quickly.

Anticipate Traps and Ambushes: The crypt is not just filled with enemies but also traps that can cause significant damage. Keep an eye out for hidden dangers and use your skills to avoid or disable them.

Stay Mobile: Zath'kor is a challenging boss with powerful poison-based attacks that can overwhelm you if you stand still for too long. Be prepared to dodge and use mobility skills to stay one step ahead.

Rewards

Completing The Slithering Dead will net you a variety of rewards, including:

Unique Gear: Depending on your class, you can earn high-quality armor or weapons designed to enhance your build. Some of these items may have special properties tied to poison resistance or improved necromancy skills.

Crafting Materials: You’ll also gain rare crafting materials that can be used to improve your gear, particularly items that deal with necromantic influences or undead-related enhancements.

Story Progression: With the completion of this quest, you’ll unlock additional quests in Act 3 and gain a deeper understanding of the story surrounding the plague and the forces of darkness lurking in the shadows.

Conclusion

The Slithering Dead is a fascinating and challenging quest in Path of Exile 2’s Act 3, offering players the opportunity to uncover the mysteries of a deadly undead plague. With its intense combat, dangerous traps, and rewarding loot, this quest is a pivotal moment in your journey. Whether you're a fan of dark lore or simply enjoy a cheap POE 2 Divine Orbs challenging dungeon crawl, The Slithering Dead will provide both thrills and rewards on your path to uncovering the secrets of Wraeclast.