Edge of Extinction (twist)

The Edge of Extinction, also known as Extinction Island, is the titular twist of  ' s thirty-eighth season.

Concept
Host Jeff Probst expressed that Survivor had explored the strategic side of the game by way of various advantages over the years, but not much about the psychological impact that it has on castaways. Probst stated:

"none"

- As we continue to evolve the show, it's really important to us that we continue to see how far we can take this experiment. We've done a lot in the last few years about game play and advantages and twists and really wanting players to come in and play strategically. Lately, it's also been occurring to me that we should try to get a little deeper psychologically, a little deeper spiritually. Let's see how far people want to go. Is there a possibility of the spiritual death and rebirth that you seek in life, where you realize something deeper about yourself? That's where this idea was born; what if you play the game, and you get voted out, but you also have an option? It's not Redemption Island. It's not Exile. It's not the Outcast [twist from Survivor: Pearl Islands]. It's truly a situation where you're going somewhere where tribe life as you knew it on the island will seem wonderful, because on Extinction, you will have to work for everything. And with no certainty that you will get back in the game, it comes down to one question: how badly do you want this? How far will you want to push yourself? How curious are you to see what you're capable of?

Format
On paper, the Edge of Extinction shares the same premise as : a place to which castaways who are voted out are sent to await a chance to return to the game. With the Edge of Extinction however, there are no regular duels, and the castaways still in the game are unaware of the island's existence.

Once voted out, the condemned castaway leaves Tribal Council believing that they are eliminated for good. However, as they walk further away, they will find a detour: One path offers the ride home while the other offers the ride to the Edge of Extinction. If the player chooses to continue playing, they must take the torch perched on the sign leading to the boat which will send them to the Edge of Extinction. Uncertain that they will be coming back at all, castaways will have to endure the extended isolation for as long as possible until the pre-determined re-entry point. If at any point a castaway can no longer handle the boredom, they may choose to withdraw by raising a white flag from a ship's mast after which a boat will pick them up, eliminating them from the game. Food rations are provided daily, but the condemned castaways would have to reach the far side of the island to get them.

The manner in which the voted out castaways will be competing to re-enter the game remains to be seen.

Trivia

 * Reem Daly is the first person to choose to go to the Edge of Extinction.