An equiatomic MoNbTaTiVZr refractory high-entropy alloy (HEA) produced by arc melting was processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature. Thermodynamic calculations and experimental results indicated a dual-phase microstructure composed of about 85% BCC Zr-depleted and 15% BCC Zr-rich phase in the as-cast condition. HPT causes grain refinement and an increase in dislocation density without the formation of new phases. After four revolutions, the Zr-depleted phase was hardened to $$\sim $$ ∼ 540 HV, while the Zr-rich phase exhibited softening with a decrease in hardness to $$\sim $$ ∼ 480 HV. The occurrence of a vortex-like microstructure and the analysis of elemental concentrations indicated a shear-induced mechanical homogenization, which was supposed to be the cause of the observed softening.

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