Design/methodology/approach The WC-10Co4Cr-xCr3C2 (x = 5%, 10% and 15%) were prepared on H13 steel using laser cladding, and their coefficients of friction and wear rates at 500°C were investigated using a ball-on-disc wear tester. Findings The WC-10Co4Cr-xCr3C2 powders are composed of WC, Co3W3C, CoCr and Cr3C2 phases, and the defects such as pores and cracks are reduced by the addition of Cr3C2. The coefficient of friction and wear rats of WC-10Co4Cr-xCr3C2 coatings are decreased with the Cr3C2 mass fraction, showing that the addition of Cr3C2 significantly enhances the tribological properties of WC-10Co4Cr coating. The wear mechanism is adhesive wear and oxidation wear, and the Cr3C2 plays the roles of friction reduction and wear resistance, which provides valuable insights into optimizing the performance of WC-10Co4Cr coating. Originality/value The Cr3C2 was first added into the laser cladded WC-10Co4Cr coating, which improved its high-temperature tribological performance. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0471/