Page "Survivor (TV series)" Paragraph 4

The show strands from sixteen to twenty strangers in a remote tropical location divided into two to four teams called tribes.

According to the show's host, Jeff Probst, although the standard format calls for 16 people and two tribes ( this also makes it easier to distribute genders across tribes and give the viewers fewer contestants to remember ), at times there have been eighteen-and twenty-player seasons to allow for " wiggle room " in case players quit or are removed due to injury.

Depending on the season, tribes are given a minimal number of tools with which to survive.

These tools have included a machete, a pot, and water canteens to hold water from sources that vary each season.

Tribes are encouraged to build shelters to protect themselves from the elements and to forage on the local flora and fauna for nourishment.

In some seasons, tribes have started with food supplies ( typically rice ) provided by the show, while in other seasons tribes have been given no additional help at the start of the game.

Earlier seasons allowed players to carry one luxury item with them.

Several seasons have brought the players into the game without preparation, making them start with only the clothes on their backs along with whatever tools are provided.

In this case players will often be given their running shoes for safety reasons.