Building on ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations, several novel aluminum-based high-entropy sublattice nitrides (HESN) were selected based on their strain energy contribution for detailed experimental investigations. The coatings were prepared by reactive bipolar pulsed DC magnetron sputtering using a 3” pure Al target with the alloying element pieces placed along the racetrack. This study explores the thermal stability and mechanical properties of (Al,V)-based nitride (HESN) and oxynitride (HESON) coatings alloyed with various refractory metals, including Ti, Cr, Mo, W, Hf, and Zr.Building on ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations, several novel aluminum-based high-entropy sublattice nitrides (HESN) were selected based on their strain energy contribution for detailed experimental investigations. The coatings were prepared by reactive bipolar pulsed DC magnetron sputtering using a 3” pure Al target with the alloying element pieces placed along the racetrack. This study explores the thermal stability and mechanical properties of (Al,V)-based nitride (HESN) and oxynitride (HESON) coatings alloyed with various refractory metals, including Ti, Cr, Mo, W, Hf, and Zr.