Survivor Puzzles

Simmotion

Drop a ball into a spiral chute. Catch it as it comes out of either exit, and drop it back in. A new ball joins every 15 seconds, and one drop ends your run. On the show it’s usually the last immunity challenge of the season, played with one hand tied behind the back.

Time 0:00.0
Balls 0

Setting up the chute

Rules
Controls
  • ← or A catches a ball at the left exit. → or D catches at the right. Press as soon as the exit lights up: your hand goes there and waits for the ball.
  • If you're holding a ball, a catch drops it in first, then goes for the next one. That takes your hand a little longer.
  • ↑, W or Space drops the ball in your hand back in at the top, or the new ball if your hand is empty.
  • On a phone, tap the buttons under the chute, or tap the chute itself: the top drops a ball in, and each side catches.
  • You have one free hand, so you can hold one ball. Each catch or drop takes it a moment.
  • In Practice, N adds a ball. R tells you what’s in your hand and which exit is next.

Balls roll down a spiral and come out of the left and right exits in turn. You hear "Left" or "Right" just before a ball comes out, with a tone from that side. Press the Left or Right arrow then, and your hand waits at that exit to catch it. Up or Space drops the ball in your hand back in. You can hold only one ball; a catch with a full hand drops your ball in first, which takes longer. A new ball arrives every 15 seconds. Press R at any time to hear where things are.

Seen on Survivor

Simmotion has shown up 10 times across 10 seasons, from Tocantins (season 18) in 2009 to Survivor 50 in 2026. Here is every one we could confirm.

  4. Survivor 36: Ghost Island Episode 12: Always Be Moving

    Reward challenge, Always on the Run Aired May 16, 2018

    Team version, with pairs rolling big spools down wooden beams.

    One player set each spool rolling while the other caught. Every pair got all five spools going at once, and Domenick and Wendell lasted longest.

    Won by Domenick and Wendell Source for season 36, episode 12 (opens in a new tab)

  7. Survivor 42 Episode 13: It Comes Down to This

    Immunity challenge, Simmotion Aired May 25, 2022

    Final immunity challenge, with up to 7 balls.

    Mike dropped on his first ball and Maryanne on her second. Romeo beat Jonathan on the fourth ball for his first immunity win.

    Won by Romeo Source for season 42, episode 13 (opens in a new tab)

  8. Survivor 44 Episode 13: Absolute Banger Season

    Immunity challenge, Simmotion Aired May 24, 2023

    Final immunity challenge, with up to 7 balls.

    Carolyn dropped on her second ball. Yam Yam and then Carson dropped on the fourth, and Heidi had her first individual win.

    Won by Heidi Source for season 44, episode 13 (opens in a new tab)

  9. Survivor 48 Episode 13: Only One of Yous Can Win

    Immunity challenge, Simmotion Aired May 21, 2025

    Final immunity challenge, with up to 7 balls.

    Eva dropped on her third ball. Kamilla and then Joe dropped on the fourth, and Kyle won his second immunity.

    Won by Kyle Source for season 48, episode 13 (opens in a new tab)