<p>The article discusses the current state of scientific problems related to determining mechanical characteristics of intermetallics, medium- and high-entropy materials, and metal-matrix composites based on them. The analysis of regulatory documents showed that there is no separate class of international or industry standards for these materials, so researchers are developing their methods, mostly based on ceramic materials. A methodology for the experimental determination of the mechanical characteristics of intermetallics NiAl, NiTi, Ni₃Ti, medium TZN –(Ti_1/3Zr_1/3Nb_1/3)N and high-entropy TZCAN –(Ti_1/5Zr_1/5Nb_1/5Cr_1/5Al_1/5)N nitrides has been developed that can be used for metal-matrix composites based on them. The methodology includes compression tests in an atmospheric environment and the microindentation method with the determination of the elastic modulus and microhardness by Vickers and Meyer, as well as the coefficient of friction and wear resistance based on the results of microtribological studies at room temperature. The mechanical characteristics of NiAl, NiTi, Ni3Ti intermetallics, medium- TZN, and high-entropy TZCAN nitrides were determined using the developed methodology and the experimental results. It is shown how the materials differ in terms of compressive and bending strength, elastic modulus, and microhardness. The coefficients of resistance to deformation were calculated, which showed that the high-entropy TZCAN nitride demonstrates the highest resistance to elastic deformation. In contrast, the mediumentropy TZN nitride showed a slightly better ability to resist plastic deformation. The intermetallics containing titanium, namely NiTi and Ni3Ti, significantly outperform NiAl in terms of resistance to both elastic and plastic deformation at least twice. The wear resistance of the studied materials was evaluated, and their friction coefficients in dry and wet environments were determined.</p>