This is the second season and the third time overall where someone found a Hidden Immunity Idol with no clues.
This season introduces Redemption Island. This differs from Survivor: Pearl Islands where previously voted off contestants were
allowed to compete again because the contestants were made aware of this in advance. Survivors who are voted off during Tribal Council are sent to Redemption Island. They are given the same provisions, IE food, fire, shelter, etc, as the Survivors who are still within tribes When there are two or more, depending on the episode, they compete in a challenge in front of two members of each tribe. The winner remains on Redemption Island, the loser is out of the game or joins the Jury. At two predetermined points in the game, at the merge and when the game is down to the Final Four, the person who has won their way to that point is allowed to return to the game.
This season featured the return of two contestants who had previously played, Russell Hantz and Rob Mariano along side sixteen new players.
Due to the addition of Redemption Island, most challenges within the game prior to the Merge are combined Reward/Immunity challenges.