Survivor: New School Vs. Old School – Which Is Better?

Survivor has given fans 40 whopping seasons of new themes, twists, and castaways. When season 40, Survivor: Winners at War, finally hit the screen, it immediately tested players. Unexpectedly, it also quickly became a game between the new players and the old – or, new school vs. old school.

From Rob’s basic leadership and strategy to Sarah’s game changing advantages, there was a clear divide between those who played years ago and those who played recently. While the old school players were booted off early, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re worse – most of them were threats. So, it’s time to settle it once and for all. From new school to old school – which is better?

10 New School: They Don’t Even Need Clues

In earlier seasons, it was super hard to come by idols and advantages. Now, players head into the jungle and come out with an idol in their pocket. The show has turned to hiding idols in challenges, or even in the other tribe’s camp!

They’re nothing stopping from finding advantages in the trickiest of places, and this certainly gave all new school players a leg-up during Winners at War. Idols are power, and new school players have it down pat.

9 Old School: It’s All About Alliances

Before tribe swaps happened multiple times in a season, old school players had to rely fully on their alliances within their tribes. The strength and morale of one’s tribe was the thing that kept them in the game, and one could be down to two or three players before a merge struck.

For this reason, old school players could probably strategist and socialize circles around any new school player. In terms of outlasting, original players definitely had to prove themselves and rely fully on trust.

8 New School: It’s A Numbers Game

In more recent seasons, players have coined the term “voting blocks”. Nearly every tribal has different lines in the sand, and one’s alliance isn’t ever really set in stone. Partnerships are really the only thing that players can rely on for alliances.

This means voting is all about numbers, and it’s about being on the right side of them, regardless who else is. The game is ever-changing because of this, and players must be on their toes. They’re ready for anything.

7 Old School: They Didn’t Need Idols

Idols have been a thing for a long time, but they were certainly less abundant and way harder to find. Before castaways could just search the jungle and stumble upon one, players had to fight tooth and nail to stay in the game.

Playing an idol had a huge effect, and shook up the game a lot – because they were so rare. For that reason, playing idols was a lot more risky and difficult, and players had to find other ways to stay in the game.

6 New School: Advantages Are Curve-balls

While it seems challenging to rely only one’s own self to stay in the game, new school players had to deal with curve-ball after curve-ball to stay in the game. From vote steals to idol nullifers, no one was ever safe.

In fact, this might be a big reason why new school players managed to do better in Winners at War. They know never to put all their eggs in one basket, but also how to use advantages to the very best of their ability.

5 Old School: Immunity Necklaces Were Everything

While it obviously still helps players to have an immunity necklace around their neck, it’s almost a bit lackluster with all the other idols and advantages swirling around tribal council.

In earlier seasons, the best players were the ones that continued to win immunity. From Ozzy Lusth to Rob Mariano, immunity made them great players. Now, almost anyone can take back the necklace, and it means nothing going forwards.

4 New School: Tribal Councils Are Always Live

Old school players certainly relied deeply on alliances, and obviously, new school players don’t. The biggest leg-up that newer castaways have is definitely being able to change and adapt quickly and effectively.

Whispering at tribal council certainly never happened back in early seasons, and there have been many times in recent years where the vote changed completely once torches were lit. Again, new school players are far more adaptable, and this helps them outlast and win it all.

3 Old School: Survival Was Way Harder

Every season provides challenges for castaways, and food and shelter is always a difficult thing to come by. However, fans who have been watching for years know that players used to run out of rice, and literally foraged and hunted their way through the 39 days.

Now, rice seems to be more in abundance, and while it’s certainly still challenging, fans would likely bet on any old school player to survive on an island over any new school one.

2 New School: Getting Jury Votes

Obviously, this has been the way the game goes since it began. However, with alliances being such a powerful thing in earlier seasons, many players that managed to get to the end knew who was going to vote for them, and who wasn’t.

Now, with voting blocks AND an ever-evolving game, jurors look for a lot more than who was on their side of the vote. It’s becoming less about trust, and far more about playing a great game. In recent years, every final tribal council has been a coin toss.

1 Old School: They Know The Game In-And-Out

While it might be harder for some old school players to get the hang of the game after leaving for many seasons, it’s totally safe to say that the best players of all time are all original castaways. From Sandra to Parvati to Ozzy to Rob, all of these players know each and every season, and have played across many years.

Some new school players only joined the game a few years back, and are even young enough to remember being kids watching players like Amanda or Richard. For this reason, old school players have left a legacy that no new school can match.

About The Author

Meah Peers
(631 Articles Published)

I just graduated university with Criminology & Psychology, but have a burning side passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.
I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

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