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Survivor 41 host Jeff Probst warned fans that the new season would be like nothing before it, calling it a “monster.” Since then, it’s become apparent that he wasn’t kidding. Various basics like daily rice have been taken out of the equation, and advantages have come with a downside. So far, viewers have been introduced to the somewhat convoluted “beware advantage,” which required anyone who has it — like Xander — to say a specific phrase. If he and two other players all say their special phrases, their advantage takes effect. But if they don’t, they’ll suffer a downside. Here’s what the “beware advantage” entails, including all of the secret phrases. 

Jeff Probst teased double-edged advantages 

Jeff Probst on 'Survivor'
Jeff Probst on ‘Survivor’ | CBS via Getty Images

Jeff Probst warned audience members and players alike that Survivor 41 was going to be a different beast altogether from past seasons. He even specified that players would be facing double-edged swords with almost all of their advantages.

“The tribes are not given any daily food staple, and Reward Challenges are scarce. This had a tremendous impact immediately as their mental and physical energy is instantly challenged. And votes are often at risk, which means you can’t ever rely on how many votes your alliance will have at any Tribal Council,” Probst explained to Parade. 

“And advantages now often come with massive risks. In order to earn an advantage, you have to successfully navigate something risky. This is a new version of Survivor. There is no way to compare past seasons,” added Probst. This is certainly true of the new “beware advantage.”

He also claimed that the new season is fast and brutal, and that players will have to keep their momentum up to last long at all.

“I’m trying to remind players to just keep moving and beat the game. It is fast. You’ve got to earn everything. And even then, there’s no guarantees that you’ll keep it. That’s Survivor right now, so buckle up,” Probst told Us Weekly. 

What are all the ‘beware advantage’ phrases?

The “beware advantage” is a prime example of how Survivor 41 is turning advantages on their heads. This particular immunity advantage requires three different players, each with their own special phrase to say. 

And until all three players find the “beware advantage” and say their secret phrase to each other, the advantage has no positive effect. In fact, it has a negative effect. Until all three players find the advantage and use the secret phrase, any player who has the advantage loses their Tribal Council vote, as well as their “shot in the dark.” However, if all three advantages are found and acted upon, each individual receives an immunity idol.

The good news is that the advantage and the penalty both end if the phrases aren’t spoken by the merge.

Right now, Xander has the “beware advantage,” and will be required to mention butterflies for his phrase — in fact, he already tried once without any luck.

The three secret phrases are as follows:

  • “I truly believe that butterflies are dead relatives saying hi.” 
  • “I’m as confused as a goat on astroturf.”
  • “I didn’t realize this till now…broccoli is just a bunch of small trees.”

It will certainly be interesting to see how Xander tries to work the phrase in a second time, and if needed, a third.

RELATED: ‘Survivor 41’: Ricard Foyé Got Hateful Messages Over ‘Come On In Guys’

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