There are already several posts and videos from other players describing this game mechanic very well. I just wanted to sum up all the information in an easy-to-use chart for any new player joining the game.
Standard Rules
1st factor - SPEED
In case several monsters have the same speed, then:
2nd factor - TYPE
In case several monsters are the same type, then:
3rd factor - RARITY
In case several monsters are the same rarity, then:
4th factor - LEVEL
In case several monsters are the same level, then:
5th factor - RANDOMNESS
The randomness explains why sometimes, at the end of a battle, when the exact same monsters are facing each other, the one who attacked last in the previous round can also be the one attacking first in the following round.
I have always found it quite frustrating when an opponent’s monster seems to be attacking mine twice in a row and I then lose the match because of that. However, by understanding the attack order in detail, this does make sense.
Note:
If you want to watch a few examples to better understand the attack order in Splinterlands, @bulldog1205 has broken down several battles in one of his YouTube videos explaining those mechanics.
Special Cases
The following information comes from support.splinterlands.com
Other Factors That Affect Attack Order
Reverse Speed
 | Reverse Speed Ruleset If a battle has the Reverse Speed ruleset, then all of the attack order variables are affected, not just the speed. |
|---|
- Lowest speed goes first
- If speed is the same, the attack type is then reversed - Melee or No Attack, Range, then Magic
- If the attack type is the same, the lower rarity goes first
- If rarity is the same, the lower monster level goes first
- If all the above are the same, the monster that goes first is randomly chosen
Brawl
 | Brawl If the Home Team has their Barracks upgraded to at least level 1, then the Home Team gains an advantage. |
|---|
If you fight in a Brawl and the Home Team has their Barracks upgraded to at least level 1, then the Home Team gains the advantage of going first whenever there is a tie in attack order.
By reading through the Support Team’s article, you’ll also find interesting details about:
- Attack Accuracy
- Fatigue
- Top / Bottom Team Placement
- Abilities & Status Effects
I hope this post was helpful.
See you in the next one!
Thomas
For new players interested in joining this amazing game, you can support me by using the following referral link (at no extra cost to you!):
https://splinterlands.com?ref=tt88
Thank you.