• Successfully fabricated WC particle reinforced CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy composite coatings on Cr12MoV steel using laser cladding.
• Four distinct carbide types were identified, including primary carbides, eutectic structures, peripheral massive crystals, and incompletely fused WC particles.
• Increasing WC content enhanced microhardness while decreasing the friction coefficient; optimal performance at 30 wt.% WC (HV0.2 689.7, friction coefficient 0.72).
• Wear resistance of the substrate was significantly improved, with spalling and abrasive wear as the dominant mechanisms.