A tribe switch was the first game-changing twist of Survivor. This twist sends members from one tribe to the rival tribes and vice versa.
About[]
The tribe switch is a twist that can happen at any specific point during the game. This reassignment of tribes is effective until the tribes merge or a new opportunity to switch tribes occurs (e.g. a mutiny or a second switch.) This is denoted by contestants wearing a newly-supplied buff in the color of their new tribe. They then drop their old buff on the ground and start wearing the new one.
Normally, a switch would send half of the members of a tribe to the other when both tribes have an equal number of members, although this has changed over the years. One such example is in Survivor: Nicaragua, where one tribe had nine members while the other tribe had seven. The switch evened the tribes out with eight members each.
If the number of remaining contestants is irregular, the odd person out may be sent to Exile Island. There, they will wait until a tribe votes out a member. They will then become a member of that tribe, resulting in each tribe having equal numbers. In Survivor: Kaôh Rōng, because Exile Island was not in play in a three-tribe dissolve into two tribes, the extra person was instead sent to the camp of the dissolved tribe.
Classifications[]
A tribe switch could be classified as one or more of several types:
- Swap - A swap happens when the switch ensures that each tribe exchanges the same number of castaways. Commonly, all tribe switches are commonly referred to as "swaps" regardless of the specific type.
- Shuffle - A shuffle happens when the switch results in tribes having unequal numbers. Many times, however, the unequal numbers were meant to reflect an already-uneven balance in tribe members.
- Absorption - An absorption happens if one tribe gets dissolved, typically with its members being the only ones eligible to switch and are distributed to the remaining tribes. Sometimes during an absorption, every remaining castaway is eligible to switch tribes, regardless of which tribe they are members of. As this is not a merge, it occurs in 3-tribe and 4-tribe seasons only. All 4-tribe seasons have had an absorption by the third elimination.
- Expansion - An expansion happens if an auxiliary tribe is introduced in a 2-tribe season. Typically, a shuffle is then done after. This is the opposite outcome of an absorption and is done less often.
- Conquering - A conquering happens when the remaining members of a losing tribe get absorbed by the other tribe, and only one tribe is left (i.e. no merge). Commonly, this is also known as Ulonging, but that can also refer to a tribe entering the merge at a severe deficit.
- Disbandment - Typically a variation of the shuffle, it happens when a tribe gets dissolved, then a shuffle is done to put the castaways on the remaining tribes. It is essentially a 3-tribe version of a conquering. This is commonly referred to as Matsinging, though like Ulonging it can refer to a tribe enterring the merge at a severe deficit.
- Mutiny - A mutiny happens when castaways from both tribes are offered an option to join a rival tribe.
Twist History[]
Africa[]
- Type: Swap
The first time a switch occurred was on Day 13 in Survivor: Africa. Both the Boran and Samburu tribes were instructed via Tree Mail to send three representatives to meet host Jeff Probst for reasons still unknown at the time. Once the representatives arrived at the meeting place, Jeff informed them that they would be joining the other tribe.
       Clarence, Ethan, Frank, Kim J., Silas, Teresa |
       Brandon, Kelly, Kim P., Lex, Lindsey, Tom |
Marquesas[]
- Type: Shuffle
By Day 10, a severely depleted Maraamu tribe was down to its last five members, while the opposing Rotu tribe was still complete at eight. Stepping on random discs with buffs underneath, the Maraamu five were split with three on the new Rotu, while two stayed at Maraamu.
      Gina, Kathy, Neleh, Pascal, Sarah |
         Gabriel, John, Rob, Robert, Sean, Tammy, Vecepia, Zoe |
The Amazon[]
- Type: Swap
After twelve days of competing as tribes defined by gender, both tribes' youngest member, Jenna Morasca and Dave Johnson for Jaburu and Tambaqui respectively, went to an overnight paradise with food, bedding, and a bath on Day 13. The next morning, Day 14, host Jeff Probst revealed that they would decide which members were staying on each tribe and which were being sent to the other tribe.
       Alex, Deena, Jenna, Matthew, Rob, Shawna |
       Butch, Christy, Dave, Heidi, Jeanne, Roger |
All-Stars[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Absorption
The season started with three tribes and was the first time a starting tribe was dissolved. The tribe that lost the Reward Challenge on Day 13 was dissolved and its members absorbed into the remaining two tribes. Saboga lost the challenge and became the first starting tribe to cease to exist prior to the merge.
        Alicia, Amber, Jenna L., Rob M., Rupert, Susan, Tom |
        Colby, Ethan, Jerri, Kathy, Lex, Richard, Shii Ann |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Shuffle
On Day 22, the two remaining tribes convened at a Reward Challenge after receiving a cryptic Tree Mail instructing them to paint their bodies. They learned that they would not be competing but would, instead, be paired off with the person from the opposing tribe painted with the same color to enjoy a picnic. Host Jeff Probst revealed a vase containing buffs. Presuming that they would merge at this point, they were surprised when the familiar red and green buffs emerged, signaling a tribe switch. In a rather odd coincidence, nine of the ten castaways switched tribes: all four members of Mogo Mogo were switched to Chapera, while five of the six Chapera members were switched to Mogo Mogo. The only contestant to not switch tribes, Amber Brkich, was left on Chapera with none of her old tribemates.
Amber, Jerri, Kathy, Lex, Shii Ann |
Alicia, Jenna L., Rob M., Rupert, Tom |
Vanuatu[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 11, both tribes were approached by Vanuatu tribesmen and tasked to select one person to become their "chief" (denoted by holding a tribal staff). Lopevi chose Lea Masters, while Yasur chose Scout Cloud Lee. Prior to the Reward Challenge, host Jeff Probst announced that the tribes would be switched. After a game of rock-paper-scissors, Lea was given the option of whether to assign the remaining castaways to tribes or pick which new tribe to take back to camp. He chose the latter, leaving Scout to divide the men and women into new tribes. As the original Yasur had one extra member, Lisa Keiffer was left out and allowed to choose which new tribe she would join. This method of choosing tribes meant that only four of the thirteen remaining castaways were switched, two to each new tribe.
       Chad, Chris, John K., Julie, Lea, Twila |
        Ami, Eliza, Leann, Lisa, Rory, Scout, Travis |
Palau[]
- Type: Conquering/Absorption
When Stephenie LaGrossa became the only Ulong tribe member left, Tree Mail on Day 22 informed her that she would become part of Koror and instructed her to go their camp where she was given a Koror buff.
          Caryn, Coby, Gregg, Ian, Janu, Jenn, Katie, Stephenie, Tom |
Guatemala[]
- Type: Shuffle
On Day 9, while some players were away on a picnic (Judd Sergeant and Margaret Bobonich for Nakúm; Amy O'Hara and Gary Hogeboom for Yaxhá), both tribes were asked Who has the most tribe pride? The people who were selected (Cindy Hall for Nakúm and Brian Corridan for Yaxhá) would stay on their tribe. The four remaining Yaxhá members were switched to Nakúm, while the five remaining Nakúm members randomly chose a buff: Brooke Struck picked the only Nakúm buff, therefore the four others were switched to Yaxhá, with the players on the picnic remaining on their original tribes.
         Brooke, Cindy, Jamie, Judd, Lydia, Margaret, Rafe, Stephenie |
        Amy, Blake, Bobby Jon, Brandon, Brian, Danni, Gary |
Panama[]
- Type: Disbandment
The season started with four tribes divided by age and gender. On Day 4, Bayoneta and Viveros were dissolved. The 15 remaining contestants were shuffled into the new Casaya and La Mina tribes with seven members each using a Schoolyard Pick. The contestant left out of the pick, Bruce Kanegai, was sent to Exile Island and would replace the next eliminated player.
        Aras, Bobby, Cirie, Courtney, Danielle, Melinda, Shane |
        Austin, Dan, Misty, Nick, Ruth Marie, Sally, Terry |
  Bruce |
Cook Islands[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Disbandment
On Day 7, the four tribes became two. Manihiki and Puka Puka were disbanded, with the 18 remaining contestants randomly spread by Schoolyard Pick into the new Aitutaki and Rarotonga tribes with 9 members each.
          Becky, Candice, Cao Boi, Cecilia, Jessica, Jonathan, Ozzy, Sundra, Yul |
          Adam, Brad, Cristina, J.P., Jenny, Nate, Parvati, Rebecca, Stephannie |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Mutiny
On Day 20, the castaways were offered to have a mutiny, switching them to the rival tribe. Candice Woodcock and Jonathan Penner accepted the offer, switching them from Aitutaki to Rarotonga, and also leaving Aitutaki with only four tribe members.
Becky, Ozzy, Sundra, Yul |
Adam, Brad, Candice, Jenny, Jonathan, Nate, Parvati, Rebecca |
Fiji[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 15, captains were designated, who then chose teams by a Schoolyard Pick. The captains then drew buffs to determine in which camp the teams would live. This switched several of the near-spoiled Moto members, sending them to the barest essential Ravu camp (and vice-versa) due to the Haves vs. Have Nots twist. Once again, the unpicked contestant, Lisi Linares, was sent to Exile Island and would replace the next contestant to be eliminated.
       Boo, Cassandra, Earl, Michelle, Stacy, Yau-Man |
       Alex, Anthony, Dreamz, Edgardo, Mookie, Rocky |
  Lisi |
China[]
- Type: Shuffle
The two tribes received Tree Mail on Day 13 instructing them both to chose two "warriors" from the rival tribe to be added to their own. Each tribe would get names on a sheet of paper listing members of the opposite tribe and circle who they wanted to join them. Boats would then come to exchange the selected players. However, each tribe had to select at their camps, without foreknowledge of the other tribe's choices.
        Amanda, Courtney, Denise, Frosti, Jean-Robert, Sherea, Todd |
      Aaron, Erik, Jaime, James, Peih-Gee |
Micronesia[]
- Type: Swap
Both tribes would separately draw rocks. The two castaways to draw tribe-colored rocks (Natalie Bolton and Ozzy Lusth) would be the captains in a Schoolyard Pick on Day 13. This Schoolyard Pick was regulated to have even numbers of "Fans" and "Favorites", not men and women.
         Alexis, Eliza, James, Jason, Jonathan, Kathy, Natalie, Parvati |
         Amanda, Ami, Chet, Cirie, Erik, Joel, Ozzy, Tracy |
Gabon[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 10, both tribes ranked one person in secret as the most important within their tribe. The castaways voted most important would stay on their former tribes and become the new captains in a second Schoolyard Pick. Once again, the unpicked contestant, Sugar Kiper, was sent to Exile Island and would replace the next contestant to be eliminated.
        Ace, Crystal, GC, Jacquie, Kelly, Ken, Matty |
        Bob, Charlie, Corinne, Dan, Marcus, Randy, Susie |
  Sugar |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 22, a feast was held, with the castaways anticipating a merge thereafter. Once the feast ended, each castaway drew a numbered stone from a bag. The castaways who drew odd numbers became the new Fang tribe, while even numbers became the new Kota tribe.
Charlie, Corinne, Matty, Randy, Sugar |
Bob, Crystal, Ken, Marcus, Susie |
Nicaragua[]
- Type: Swap
Once again, the tribes would draw rocks. The castaways to draw their tribe's colored stone would be the captains (Holly Hoffman for Espada, and Brenda Lowe for La Flor). The captains privately chose members of the opposing tribe to join their tribe. Because La Flor had one more member, Brenda chose three, while Holly chose four. As the tribes were no longer divided by age, the Medallion of Power was retired on Day 12.
         Alina, Benry, Chase, Dan, Holly, NaOnka, Tyrone, Yve |
         Brenda, Fabio, Jane, Jill, Kelly B., Kelly S., Marty, Sash |
One World[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 12, the castaways picked eggs at random. Once they all received an egg, they smashed the egg against their bodies and whatever color paint it contained would represent their new tribe (orange for the new Manono and blue for the new Salani). The tribes both swapped three players to the opposing tribe: Alicia Rosa, Christina Cha, and Monica Culpepper switched to Manono; and Jay Byars, Michael Jefferson, and Troyzan Robertson switched to Salani.
        Alicia, Christina, Colton, Jonas, Leif, Monica, Tarzan |
        Chelsea, Jay, Kat, Kim, Michael, Sabrina, Troyzan |
Philippines[]
- Type: Absorption
This season started out with three tribes. After Matsing lost four of their original six members, the remaining two were dissolved into the other two tribes, Kalabaw and Tandang, on Day 11.
        Carter, Dana, Dawson, Denise, Jeff, Jonathan, Katie |
        Abi-Maria, Artis, Lisa, Malcolm, Michael, Pete, RC |
Caramoan[]
- Type: Swap
The season featured a tribe switch on Day 14 after six castaways were eliminated. This switch was similar to the One World switch, where contestants smashed eggs against themselves with the colors inside indicating which tribe they would be on.
The eggs were originally divided four ways by tribe and gender to ensure an even switch. As there were only two female members of the original Gota tribe, one of them would remain on Gota while the other would be switched to Bikal. A similar process was used for the three other tribe/gender combinations. As a result, both tribes had seven members after the switch: three Fans and four Favorites; three women and four men.
        Cochran, Corinne, Dawn, Julia, Matt, Michael, Phillip |
        Andrea, Brenda, Eddie, Erik, Malcolm, Reynold, Sherri |
Blood vs. Water[]
- Type: Swap
The season featured a tribe switch on Day 14 when there were twelve castaways still in the game (two more were on Redemption Island). Each castaway was asked to take one bamboo tube from a tray which contained a buff determining to which tribe the castaway would belong.
       Kat, Katie, Laura B., Monica, Tina, Vytas |
       Aras, Caleb, Ciera, Gervase, Hayden, Tyson |
Cagayan[]
- Type: Absorption
On Day 12, the Luzon tribe was disbanded. Each castaway then chose one buff in a bowl that contained an equal number of Aparri and Solana buffs, each wrapped and covered, which would indicate each castaway's new tribe.
        Alexis, Jeremiah, Kass, Morgan, Sarah, Spencer, Tasha |
        Cliff, Jefra, LJ, Lindsay, Tony, Trish, Woo |
San Juan del Sur[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 11, each tribe was given a bag that contained an equal number of Coyopa and Hunahpu buffs, each wrapped and covered. Each castaway then chose one of them in the bag, and the buff inside it would indicate each castaway's new tribe.
        Baylor, Dale, Jaclyn, Jon, Keith, Kelley, Missy |
        Alec, Jeremy, Josh, Julie, Natalie, Reed, Wes |
Worlds Apart[]
- Type: Absorption
On Day 12, the Masaya tribe was disbanded. Each castaway then chose one buff on a tray that contained an equal number of Escameca and Nagarote buffs, each wrapped and covered, which would indicate each castaway's new tribe.
        Dan, Joaquin, Joe, Mike, Rodney, Sierra, Tyler |
        Carolyn, Hali, Jenn, Kelly, Max, Shirin, Will |
Cambodia[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 7, the 18 remaining castaways were informed that the switch would put them not only into two but to three tribes instead. Each castaway chose one box on one of two trays, containing a buff indicating which new tribe they would be on. It was then revealed that the new third tribe would be called Angkor, and would have to start from scratch in a new camp, only having the same supplies that they had from Day 1, and not having any of the supplies they procured during the marooning.
       Abi-Maria, Andrew, Jeff, Peih-Gee, Tasha, Woo |
       Jeremy, Kelly, Kimmi, Monica, Spencer, Stephen |
       Ciera, Joe, Kass, Keith, Kelley, Terry |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Absorption
On Day 14, the remaining castaways were met another switch. Angkor was disbanded, and each castaway chose one box on a tray, containing a buff which would indicate their new tribe.
Jeremy, Joe, Keith, Kelley, Kimmi, Stephen, Tasha |
Abi-Maria, Andrew, Ciera, Kass, Kelly, Spencer, Woo |
Kaôh Rōng[]
- Type: Absorption
On Day 12, To Tang was disbanded, and each castaway chose one covered buff on a tray, indicating their new tribe. After picking an odd-colored buff, Julia Sokolowski was exiled to the old To Tang camp where she would stay until the next Reward Challenge and would replace the next castaway eliminated.
       Cydney, Debbie, Jason, Michele, Neal, Nick |
       Anna, Aubry, Joe, Peter, Scot, Tai |
  Julia |
Millennials vs. Gen X[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 13, a tribe switch took place, adding a third tribe named Ikabula into the mix. Each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Ikabula would have to move to a new camp with the bare essentials, but they were given a numerical advantage in compensation, starting with six members while the new Takali and Vanua each only had five.
       Bret, Hannah, Jay, Michaela, Sunday, Will |
      Adam, Figgy, Jessica, Ken, Taylor |
      CeCe, Chris, David, Michelle, Zeke |
Game Changers[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 7, a tribe switch took place, introducing a third tribe named Tavua. Each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Tavua would have to move to a new camp with the same supplies as Day 1.
       Brad, Caleb, Debbie, Hali, Sierra, Tai |
       Aubry, J.T., Jeff, Malcolm, Michaela, Sandra |
       Andrea, Cirie, Ozzy, Sarah, Troyzan, Zeke |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Absorption
On Day 14 of the game, the Tavua tribe was disbanded, and each castaway chose one covered buff on a tray, indicating their new tribe. Debbie Wanner picked a package containing no buff, and she was sent to exile where she lived on a luxurious ship until the next Tribal Council, where she would replace the person voted out.
Aubry, Brad, Cirie, Hali, Michaela, Sierra, Troyzan |
Andrea, Jeff, Ozzy, Sandra, Sarah, Tai, Zeke |
 Debbie |
Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 9, each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Each tribe would have five members each, having a three to two gender ratio.
      Alan, Ashley, Desi, Devon, Joe |
      Ali, Chrissy, JP, Roark, Ryan |
      Ben, Cole, Jessica, Lauren, Mike |
Ghost Island[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 7, each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Each tribe would have nine members each, having a five to four gender ratio.
          Bradley, Brendan, Chelsea, Desiree, Jenna, Kellyn, Michael, Sebastian, Stephanie |
          Angela, Chris, Domenick, Donathan, James, Laurel, Libby, Morgan, Wendell |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 15, a second tribe switch took place, introducing a third tribe named Yanuya. Each castaway chose one covered buff from a tray, indicating which tribe they would be on. Yanuya would have to move to a new camp with the same supplies as Day 1.
Angela, Desiree, James, Kellyn, Michael |
Bradley, Chelsea, Domenick, Donathan, Libby |
 Chris, Jenna, Laurel, Sebastian, Wendell |
David vs. Goliath[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 10, a tribe switch took place, adding a third tribe named Tiva into the mix. Each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Tiva would have to move to a new camp with the bare essentials. Carl Boudreaux picked a package containing no buff, and he was sent to exile until the next Tribal Council, where he would replace the person voted out. The David and Goliath tribes were renamed as Vuku and Jabeni, respectively. Tiva would have to move to a new camp with the same supplies as Day 1.
      Angelina, Lyrsa, Mike, Natalie, Nick |
      Alison, Christian, Dan, Gabby, John |
      Alec, Davie, Elizabeth, Kara, Natalia |
  Carl |
Edge of Extinction[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 9, a tribe switch took place, adding a third tribe named Lesu into the mix. Each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Lesu would have to move to a new camp with the bare essentials.
      Aurora, Joe, Julia, Julie, Ron |
      David, Kelley, Lauren, Rick, Wardog |
      Aubry, Eric, Gavin, Victoria, Wendy |
Island of the Idols[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 12, each castaway chose one box on one of two trays (one for each gender), containing a buff which would indicate their new tribe.
         Dean, Jack, Jamal, Janet, Karishma, Kellee, Noura, Tom |
         Aaron, Dan, Elaine, Elizabeth, Jason, Lauren, Missy, Tommy |
Winners at War[]
- Type: Expansion
On Day 12, a tribe switch took place, adding a third tribe named Yara. Each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Yara would have to move to a new camp with the bare essentials.
      Denise, Jeremy, Kim, Sandra, Tony |
      Michele, Nick, Parvati, Wendell, Yul |
      Adam, Ben, Rob, Sarah, Sophie |
Survivor 44[]
- Type: Shuffle
On Day 8, Soka placed first in the Reward Challenge and sent Carson Garrett from Tika, Jaime Lynn Ruiz from Ratu, and Josh Wilder from Soka to go on a journey. At the journey, Carson, Jaime, and Josh were instructed to drop their buffs and randomly select the buff for another tribe. Carson was switched to Ratu, Jaime to Soka, and Josh to Tika.
      Brandon, Carson, Kane, Lauren, Matthew |
      Danny, Frannie, Heidi, Jaime, Matt |
     Carolyn, Josh, Sarah, Yam Yam |
Survivor 45[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 8, each castaway chose one covered buff on one of two trays (one for each gender), indicating which tribe they would be on. Each tribe would have five members each, having a three to two gender ratio.
      Austin, Brando, Drew, Emily, Kendra |
      Bruce, Jake, Kaleb, Katurah, Kellie |
      Dee, J. Maya, Julie, Sean, Sifu |
Survivor 48[]
- Type: Swap
On Day 8, each castaway chose one covered buff on a tray, indicating which tribe they would be on. Each tribe would have five members.
      Bianca, Cedrek, Chrissy, Mitch, Saiounia |
      Charity, David, Eva, Mary, Star |
      Joe, Kamilla, Kyle, Shauhin, Thomas |
Survivor 49[]
Switch #1[]
- Type: Absorption
On Day 7, Uli was disbanded, and each castaway chose one covered buff on a tray, indicating their new tribe.
        Jason, Jawan, Matt, Nate, Rizo, Savannah, Sophi |
        Alex, Kristina, MC, Sage, Shannon, Sophie, Steven |
Switch #2[]
- Type: Resurrection/Expansion
On Day 11, Uli was reformed, making it the first starting tribe to be absorbed, then resurrected as an auxiliary tribe in Survivor History.
MC, Rizo, Savannah, Sophi |
Jawan, Sage, Shannon, Steven |
 Alex, Kristina, Nate, Sophie |
Trivia[]
These totals exclude the absorptions of The Outcasts, Saboga, Ulong, and Matsing, as the members of the existing tribe(s) were not eligible to switch. The mutiny in Cook Islands is also excluded.
Most/Fewest Castaways Switching Tribes[]
- Survivor 44 had the fewest castaways switch tribes, with only three people switching tribes.
- Survivor 44 also had the lowest percentage of castaways switch tribes, with 3 out of 14 switching tribes.
- Game Changers (first switch) had the most castaways switch tribes, with 15 out of 18 switching tribes.
- All-Stars (second switch) had the highest percentage of castaways switch tribes, with 9 out of 10 switching tribes.
Fewest Members Retained by a Tribe[]
Fewest Members Lost by a Tribe[]
Fewest Members Gained by a Tribe[]
- Ratu, Soka, and Tika all gained only one member at the Survivor 44 switch, replacing the one member they lost.
- Nuku is the first tribe to not gain any new members after a tribe switch. After the second switch in Game Changers, all members of post-dissolve Nuku had already been on the tribe at some point in the game.
- Naviti would follow suit after the second switch in Ghost Island, as all members of post-expansion Naviti were already on the tribe at some point in the game.
- Kama would follow in Edge of Extinction, as no members of the original Manu tribe were switched to Kama.
- Kama is the first tribe to gain no new members after the first tribe switch.
Other[]
- Aside from Uli, all tribes dissolved in a season with three starting tribes had lost the first tribal Immunity Challenge of the season.
References[]