Merge

A merge (alternatively referred to as a merger in early seasons) is the coming together of the two or more competing tribes into a single tribe. This means that the tribes will now live as one in one camp until the end of the game. This also signals the game's halfway point and typically is near the start of the jury phase.

The initial merged tribe can contain anywhere from 8 to 13 members. The merge signals the halfway point of the game as it often takes place during days 19-20 or thereabout. It is where the castaways will live as one new tribe until the final day of the competition. Once merged, they will receive a blank tribe banner (with a new color), new buffs, and poster paint (as they will be painting their banner). They would also have to christen a name for the new tribe. From this point forward, the game shifts from a team-effort competition into an individual game, although some challenges would still be team challenges. The Final Three would then face the jury on the last day of the competition at the Final Tribal Council, where the jury decides who will be the Sole Survivor.

Challenges
Due to the nature of the merge, the game shifts from a team effort to an individual affair. Certain post-merge challenges, usually for reward, may see the tribe temporarily divided up into two or more teams, with one of these teams winning the challenge.

Immunity
See Individual Immunity