Exploring The Zone in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl throws you into encounters with various NPCs, some leading to intriguing side quests like "For Science!" This quest begins with a meeting between Skif and Yaryk Mongoose, who needs help activating a second measuring device atop a silo. It's a relatively short quest, but the reward—a Malachite pass granting access to the STC Malachite facilities—makes it worthwhile.
How to Start the "For Science!" Side Quest in Stalker 2
Initiate the "For Science!" quest by finding Yaryk Mongoose in the Central Elevator area of the Chemical Plant. As you approach, you'll hear Mongoose radio Skif, prompting a meeting. Inside the Central Elevator, go left past the conveyor belts, up the rusty stairs, and vault the railing to reach Mongoose on the first floor. He'll explain the need to activate a second device on a nearby silo, kicking off the quest once you agree to help.
Reaching the Top of the Silo During "For Science!"
Exit the room and climb to the building's roof. Deal with any rodents you encounter, then climb out a broken window and use the external ladder to reach the silos. Equip your bolt-action rifle to counter electro anomalies. Proceed left along the silo's top to find and activate the second measuring device. Activating it will attract a pack of Bloodsuckers. Eliminate them or evade them to return to Mongoose.
Confronting Yaryk Mongoose
Upon returning to Mongoose, he'll explain the experiment's unintended consequences. You can choose to kill him for endangering you or accept the reward and leave. Neither choice has significant repercussions. Killing him allows you to loot the Malachite pass; choosing the non-hostile option provides the pass and some coupons. The pass grants access to the STC Malachite base, unless you already have access through the main storyline.
