Survivor has 40 seasons worth of castaways and competitive challenges. From puzzles to diving to brute strength, the challenges on this show are always exhausting to play and riveting to watch. There have been a lot, and there are some that have remained as classics over the seasons.
Of course, not every challenge on the series can be super invigorating, or even, a good one by any standard. They have to keep players and viewers on their toes, but it doesn't always pan out. Here are 5 of the best challenges ever played, and 5 that were definitely the worst, ranked - with the worst of the worst and the best of the best at the top.
Worst: Get A Grip
This one is certainly a classic on the show. Basically, players wrap themselves around a large pole off the ground. With small foot holds and hand holds, they slide off until there's only one left standing.
While this is a seemingly fair challenge, it's not super exciting to watch. Besides, can beast players really outlast smaller and nimbler ones? Of course, it's the least worst of the worst.
Best: Face-Off
This challenge is all about how well the players know each other, and themselves. With no puzzles and no physical aspect, this one certainly stands out among the rest.
It appeared on Survivor: All Stars, where players are asked a question about their fellow castaways - like, "who thinks they're the smartest?", then the tribe guesses, trying to pick the most popular answer. This can get personal, so it's entertaining, but it also shows which players are really paying attention.
Worst: Spit It Out
While this challenge might be entertaining and intense to watch, it has to be one of the worst challenges to exist for castaways. Strapped to a wheel, players rotate, where they submerge their head underwater, grab a mouthful, and then spit it out into a bucket to collect as much water as they can.
Fans aren't sure what skill-set this targets, and we're not exactly sure there is one. Seemingly random and not really fair, this challenge is definitely obscure. Also, definitely kind of dangerous.
Best: Crate Idea
This is one of the best challenges to incorporate strength, teamwork, and puzzle solving. It's super simple: carry huge blocks across the beach and them stack them to solve the puzzle. Easy, but super difficult.
It's nail-biting to watch, but it's also a huge test of teamwork and strength. There's always some yelling to be had, and it proves which tribe is the strongest - mentally and physically.
Worst: Bugging Out
This is a Survivor classic, and while no fan really wants to see it gone forever, it's not exactly the best challenge out there. Honestly, this tests nothing but your gag reflex and your ability to not be grossed out.
Again, while kind of funny, it's pretty outrageous, and doesn't exactly test any mental or physical ability. Plus, this challenge must be hated by all the players, unless they won.
Best: Simmotion
This challenge is all about hand-eye coordination, concentration, and timing. Players have a spiral track, and must drop balls at intervals, while catching them at the bottom before they hit the ground.
This one is always chaos, and is actually way harder than it appears at first. It's hilarious to watch, and certainly tests the fatigued minds of the castaways.
Worst: This Much
Fans will probably remember this challenge from Kaoh Rong. Players stand with their arms outstretched, pushing against wooden discs. When the discs fall, they're out of the challenge.
Simple yet still exhausting, fans aren't super in love with these basic challenges that aren't totally exciting to watch. Whoever has the best blood pressure in their arms probably wins the victory.
Best: Serpent Turf
This challenge definitely appears to be one of the most exhausting ever played. Castaways will race out into the water, where they must push a 400 pound snake through a hole in a tall gate, then get themselves over. They carry the massive snake to the beach, then they must throw rings onto paddles.
All fans love a good physical challenge, but it's also so invigorating for challenges that require a "finisher". That is, a Nick Wilson or a J.T. to launch those rings and close the win.
Worst: Slither Me Timbers
This is another challenge that's likely just a nightmare for all castaways. While it's hilarious to watch, it kind of takes out the suspense of the challenge, and also any skill that players bring to the table.
Bound with their arms to their sides, like a snake, castaways slither in the sand over mounds as fast as they can. Honestly, it's pretty ridiculous, and while funny, not the most exhilarating. It might just be the worst on the list.
Best: A Bit Tipsy
This remains one of the most classic challenges that always has a spot in every season. Players hold a rope to balance a table, where they must stack blocks by going from their starting spot to the table and back again.
This one is always a nail-biter, and keeps fans on the edge of their seats because it's impossible to know when someone will drop or someone will win. This classic is always a gem, and is one of our all-time favorites.