CrN coatings were prepared on H13 steel using a combined process of laser shock peening (LSP) pretreatment and double-glow plasma surface alloying (DGPSA). This study investigated the effect of LSP on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and interfacial bonding of the coatings. LSP pretreatment significantly enhanced the surface hardness and induced residual compressive stress in the substrate by forming a nanocrystalline structure and high-density dislocations, providing favorable conditions for CrN deposition. The CrN coating on the LSP-pretreated sample (particularly 4LSP + CrN) exhibited a uniform, dense microstructure and a tightly bonded interface with the substrate, free from defects. Compared to the coating on the untreated substrate (SUB + CrN), the 4LSP + CrN coating showed increases of approximately 45.56 % in thickness, 37 % in adhesion strength, and 36.03 % in microhardness. Its wear resistance was markedly improved, with reductions of 11.1 % in friction coefficient, 12.9 % in wear scar width, 13.0 % in wear volume, and 12.8 % in wear rate. The SUB + CrN sample experienced fatigue wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear, while the LSP + CrN sample primarily exhibited mild abrasive wear and adhesive wear.