The multilayer coatings of Chromium (Cr), Chromium Nitride (CrN), Chromium Carbonitride (CrCN) and Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) have been deposited onto stainless steel substrates by using the Physival Vapour Deposition (PVD) technique. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and pin-on-disc tribometer were employed to examine phase detection, cross-section images and tribological properties respectively. In this work, the tribological performance was studied for multilayer coatings deposited at 5 minutes and 10 minutes compared with the uncoated sample. Multilayers of Cr, CrN, CrCN, and ZrN have been successfully deposited onto stainless steel substrates by PVD. XRD analysis detected major peak in preferred orientation. Multilayer fabricated at 10 minutes deposition time showed best tribological performance with lower friction coefficient, lower alumina ball mass loss and lower wear track width. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.