To achieve cost-effectiveness in IN718 composite coatings, an IN718 / 316L stainless steel composite coating was fabricated using LDED. The influence of compositional variation in the coatings on phase composition, microstructural evolution, microhardness, tribological properties, and corrosion resistance was systematically investigated using 25 wt% as the gradient interval. The results indicate that when the IN718 addition rate was 75 % and 100 %, both coatings precipitated Laves phases alongside annular ceramic phases exhibiting distinct structures. Owing to the combined effects of solid solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening, and grain refinement strengthening, the coatings achieved a maximum microhardness of 418.4 HV, a minimum wear rate of 5.085 × 10 −4 mm 3/(N·m), and a maximum equivalent polarization resistance of 187570 Ω. The tribological behavior of the coatings evolved through adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and oxidative wear. The difference in mechanical properties between the 75 % and 100 % IN718 coatings stems from their distinct strengthening mechanisms. Compared to the 100 % IN718 coating, the 75 % IN718 coating exhibited an incremental effect of 13.61 HV attributable to the combined contribution of grain refinement strengthening and precipitation strengthening. Conversely, the 100 % IN718 coating showed a 49.71 HV gain from solid solution strengthening compared to the 75 % IN718 coating.