diff --git a/pytest_tests/steps/cluster_test_base.py b/pytest_tests/steps/cluster_test_base.py
index 7ebef916..8e14a5a5 100644
--- a/pytest_tests/steps/cluster_test_base.py
+++ b/pytest_tests/steps/cluster_test_base.py
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+from typing import Optional
+
 import allure
 import pytest
 from frostfs_testlib.shell import Shell
@@ -18,11 +20,11 @@ class ClusterTestBase:
         yield
 
     @allure.title("Tick {epochs_to_tick} epochs")
-    def tick_epochs(self, epochs_to_tick: int, alive_node: StorageNode):
+    def tick_epochs(self, epochs_to_tick: int, alive_node: Optional[StorageNode] = None):
         for _ in range(epochs_to_tick):
             self.tick_epoch(alive_node)
 
-    def tick_epoch(self, alive_node: StorageNode):
+    def tick_epoch(self, alive_node: Optional[StorageNode] = None):
         epoch.tick_epoch(self.shell, self.cluster, alive_node=alive_node)
 
     def wait_for_epochs_align(self):