For the first time in Survivor history did the tribes merge with a total of twelve people. Also for the first time, Jeff Probst was not there for the merge, just a treasure chest with a note telling the Survivors that they were merged, that they had to create their new tribe flag, new buffs, and directions to their merge feast down the beach. The note also told them they were to return to the old Galu camp.
This is the first time in Survivor history where people started going to the Jury at the twelve person mark. In the end, there would be nine Jury members and three Survivors who would face them.
This is the fifth time in Survivor history where someone who was voted out had a Hidden Immunity Idol in their possession.