The location where the season was filmed is the exact same as in Survivor: Palau. The Airai tribe inhabited the beach that Koror had used and the Malakal tribe inhabited the beach that Ulong had used.
Exile Island returns after not being utilized in the previous season. The major change is that one member of each tribe is sent there and they are given clues and have to compete to find the location of the Hidden Immunity Idol. There is only one Hidden Immunity Idol this season which is different than the past season.
This would be the last season of Survivor that was broadcast in Standard Definition.
This season features two tribes of ten members. One tribe is made up of all new players, known as the 'Fans' tribe. The other tribe is made up of players who had previously competed in the game, known as the 'Favorites' tribe.
This season returns to a Final Two format that will compete for the title of Sole Survivor. The jury will number eight, which is new for the season.