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The Final Four Fire-Making Twist on 'Survivor' Still Divides Fans

By Nicole Weaver Parade - Entertainment Stories

Updated May 21, 2026 2:45 PM

Season 35 introduced the Survivorfinal four fire-making twist, and it became a staple. Two castaways must race to make a hot and tall fire that burns through a rope. The winner gets the final third seat to make their case of why they should win in front of the jury.

Fans got the chance to decide if Survivor 50 will include the twist. The results were revealed, and the twist continues to divide fans.

Spoiler warning for Survivor 50's finale!

Some have wanted old Survivor back for years, with one more tribal council vote at the final four. This would rely on a player's social game, like the previous votes. However, the fire-making twist gives any player a chance to advance to the final three despite their social games.

How well they can build a fire is the deciding factor in fire-making, and that's not solely up to skill. The wind has greatly affected one castaway over another at times. Fans had a chance to bring back old Survivor with season 50. Aubry Bracco won immunity, and Jeff Probst revealed 60% of fans voted to keep the fire-making challenge this season.

Fans previously talked about this possibility on Reddit on May 3. "I'd say taking out F4 fire is at least a step in the right direction. But if we're only making one endgame change, then I'm bringing back the F2," one commenter wrote.

"Just have a regular vote at final four but with no advantages. If you played a good game you won't go home," one person replied.

Of course, there are fans who disagree. "No if you played the best game you'll go home and you'll get Joe [Hunter] in the finals," another viewer replied. "We all know people vote out the best players at 5 now. Same thing will happen at 4."

"I don't mind fire," another person added. "I understand some don't like it, but is the reason because it's flukey? Depending on the wind, yes you can get a weird result. But I think it goes back to the survival aspect and you should be able to make fire if you are on survivor."

The episode revealed Jonathan Young beating Rizo Velovic in fire. It was obvious that Rizo, 26, was less experienced at the activity. In the end, it was Aubry, 40, who won the jury votes against Jonathan and Joe.

This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 2:21 PM.