Hypothesis

I have two theories about that. The first is that mutant aggression may be caused by the intrusion of several people into their territory, in which case that is normal behavior for most unmutated species, including humans. The other theory is that mutants are somehow capable of receiving the active emissions of our measurement devices. Clearly, the latter theory is far more intriguing.
― Ozersky

Hypothesis is a side mission available in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat.

Description[]

This mission is available from Ozersky after Anomaly research was completed. Hermann will suggest talking to Ozersky following the report that mutants and Zombified Stalkers constantly attacked the research group while taking measurements in the anomalies, as Ozersky personally believes that mutants may react to the measurement devices. In order to verify the hypothesis, Ozersky asks the player to use a special Mutant detection scanner in the Bitumen Anomaly and see the reaction of the mutants.

Once the player is at the Bitumen Anomaly, they must plant the detector in the center of the area. After it is done, seven snorks will jump into the anomaly. The experiment will end once all snorks are killed or after some time, so if the player isn't up to wait for the experiment to finish by itself, they will have to deal with all the snorks. The player does not have wait nearby, one can simply get out from the anomaly and play the game normally. The mission timer will continue ticking and player just needs to pick the detector up once the time is up. Hence, the player can avoid health and armour damage, all the player needs to do is being careful with the snorks (they might survive the anomalies). For example, the player can finish the mission Hunting: Unidentified Mutants if taken from Trapper (as the location is nearby). If the player wants to speed up the process instead by eliminating the snorks, this can be easily done by luring the snorks in the Vortexes which will be an instant kill. If the player does this however, a suit with good protection is required as the ambient heat will damage the player.

After the experiment is done, the player must collect the mutant detector and take it back to Ozersky to complete the mission.

Reward[]

The reward for this mission is 3000 RU.