Ni-doped WS₂ composite coatings with various Ni contents were co -deposited using a radio frequency sputtering system on silicon wafer and AISI 440C stainless steel substrates. The microstructural characteristics of the WS₂-Ni composite coatings and their tribological properties in vacuum were assessed. During introduction of Ni dopant in the WS2-Ni composite coating the sulfur/tungsten (S/W) ratio in the coating increased due to reduced preferential resputtering of sulfur atoms in the growing coating. The microstructure of the WS₂-Ni composite coating varied from a fine columnar structure for Ni content equal to or less than 7.7 at.% to a featureless structure as the Ni content increased further. The Ni dopant inhibited the growth of the coarse columnar WS₂ platelets which was accompanied by nanocrystallization and amorphization of the composite coating structure. WS₂-Ni composite coatings with fine columnar structure exhibited relatively low hardness but showed a high tendency to form a lubricating transfer layer. It also demonstrated low brittleness and prolonged wear life in vacuum condition compared to coatings with dense featureless structure. The variation in tribological performance between the composite coatings resulted from the different wear mechanisms associated with their distinct microstructures.