Thin films based on transition metal nitrides (TMNs) are versatile materials suitable for a broad range of applications. Cubic NaCl-type titanium nitride (TiN), in particular, is a paradigm coating material with excellent mechanical properties. Tantalum nitride (TaN) offers intrinsic ways of tuning mechanical performance via its metastable cubic phase (NaCl-type): providing access to a wide range of stoichiometries and (beneficial) lattice defects, including stacking faults, which may hinder the onset of crack initiation and propagation. Contrarily to TiN, ab initio calculations indicate the ability of TaN to nucleate mechanical twins and activate twinning-induced plasticity effects. To verify and complement these predictions, we deposited TiN and TaN in the form of superlattice coatings (alternating nano-layers) via unbalanced DC magnetron sputtering. Thereby we take advantage of the TiN template effect and generate numerous interfaces, providing a basis for subsequent analysis of stacking fault and twinning activities in TiN/TaN superlattices, as well as related interface effects. The combined micro-structural analysis using XRD and SEM reveals the expected nano-layered structure of the TiN/TaN coatings, while mechanical tests corroborate the enhancement of hardness and fracture toughness (superlattice effect). In the long run, the insights gained from this study contribute towards a comprehensive knowledgebase for the design of materials with unique property combinations.