'Survivor 49' Recap: Chaos, New Alliances And An Unknown 'Variable' Advantage At The Tribal Council

Survivor Season 49 is back with another episode, and it's increasingly more chaotic, confusing, and over the top. Episode 12, titled, The Die Is Cast, aired on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (ET) on CBS. And here is everything you need to know about the development of survival shows. 

Survivor Season 49: What happened in episode 12?

Playing the center did not hold well for Sophie Segreti, who ended up waffling between her new alliance with Savannah Louie and Rizo Velovic and her original allegiance to Hina. The pull and push ended with Sophie caught between the two sides. On the other hand, Age Ahrens-Nichols put her animosity toward Savannah aside in order to avenge Sophie's part in eliminating Jawan Pitts, setting up a final six that on paper seemed evenly split with three per side.

This week, the three advantages alive in the game: one idol, one Knowledge Is Power, and one Block a Vote, provided a dangerous variable in determining which five advance to the season finale. The six players still competing to be "sole survivor" at the start of the episode were: Kristina Mills, Rizo Velovic, Sage Ahrens-Nichols, Savannah Louie, Sophi "Soph" Balerdi, and Steven Ramm, while the eliminated contestants serving on the jury so far are: Nate Moore, Michelle "MC" Chukwujekwu, Alex Moore, Jawan Pitts, and Sophie Segreti.

Survivor Season 49 Episode 12 fueled up with strategy and revenge

After what seemed like the end of Steven's run in the show, the vote on Sophie was music to his ears because it was both "revenge and strategy". And while at it, he got rid of "the biggest target in the game", while also joining Sage in avenging Jawan. However, that was not all; he also kept his new Block a Vote advantage in his back pocket.

Savannah was equally happy to get Sophie out, but she was also "honestly shocked" that everyone else was on board with the vote, knowing full well that it would be "the last time" they all worked together unanimously. Sophi, on the other hand, was unable to execute her plan to turn on Savannah and Rizo. According to Sophie, if she wants to win the game, she'd need to participate in "something flashy" by blindsiding the people she's been strategising with since the first tribe swap.

The highs and lows hit the tribe in Survivor Season 49 Episode 12

At the right of their next Reward Challenge, Jeff Probst claimed that the "rollercoaster of highs and lows" would continue. However, they'd have to run to earn an overnight stay at the Survivor Sanctuary, including a Mexican food feast and letters from home, which, according to Jeff, were the "biggest reward of the season." Steven maintained his position as the frontrunner. However, he was eventually caught by everyone else, and in the end, Savannah landed her beanbag first and earned the win. 

As part of her win, Savannah brought along Rizo and Sophi as her guests, fulfilling promises she made to the two players she's been close with all season. However, the high of attending the reward with her best friends was mirrored by the inevitable low of Savannah sending the three players who were against her back to the camp without any messages from home. Sage felt like Savannah's decision was karma for not getting her out when she had the chance.

Sage further used the opportunity to team with Kristina and Steven to firm up their plan to include Sophi in the next blindside. In addition, Steven revealed his Block a Vote to them to assist in their plan to obtain an easy majority over Rizo and Savannah, no matter what. Meanwhile, at the reward, the "Tres Leches" alliance was officially born, and Sophi accepted it as a "sign from God" that maybe she shouldn't turn on Rizo and Savannah. She further tells them about her Knowledge Is Power advantage and plans to use it against Steven, which actually helps Rizo to trust Soph more.

Survivor Season 49 Episode 12 and mission immunity

Later in the episode, the remaining six players face challenges that require them to balance several advantages (both known and unknown) in play. While Rizo, Sophi, and Kristina are the first to drop, Steven follows closely behind. Savannah, known for her "friendly" chatter, attempts to make Sage drop. However, the latter holds out until 35 minutes, giving Savannah her third immunity win, and stands with Rizo and Sophi.

Hina, on the other hand, suggests they use Steven's "block a vote" on Sophi to gain a majority, while Rizo suggests they target Steven as he would be the hardest to beat in the finale. Nonetheless, Kristina disagrees with Rizo, seeing Steven as their best shot to prevent Savannah from winning the final immunity, leaving them divided on their next vote.

What happened at the 'cluster' final tribal council 

Steven uses his "block a vote" to stop Savannah from voting, leading Rizo to believe Sophi could steal Steven's advantage to secure a majority. However, she remains unsure and considers taking Rizo's idol to protect herself instead. At the Tribal Council, Jeff mentioned Rizo's idol hasn't been played, and Rizo falsely claims it would expire this week. While Steven expresses his nervousness about how others will respond to his advantage, Sophi surprises everyone by asking to steal Steven's advantage, calling herself a "silent assassin".

Nonetheless, her plan is derailed when Steven reveals he has no advantage. Savannah discovers her vote is blocked while casting her ballot. Rizo further keeps his idol unused, despite Sophi's plan being sabotaged. However, when the votes are read, the game is completely turned as three of the six votes read 'Steven'. Sage apologises to the latter, admitting she knew she would not be able to defeat him in the finale, while Rizo acknowledged the chaotic misplay. In the season finale, the final five will compete in two more immunity challenges in their attempt to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another.

What are your thoughts on Survivor 49? Let us know.

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