CrN/TiSiN multilayer coatings deposited at 316 L substrate were selected to explore the effects of irradiation on LBE (Liquid Pb–Bi eutectic alloy) corrosion. The as-deposited and irradiated coatings were exposed in LBE. After exposure, all CrN/TiSiN coatings presented oxidation accompanied with PbBi penetration. Irradiated coatings revealed better corrosion resistance with thinner oxide layer and smaller penetration thickness. The largest decrement of 39 % in oxidation thickness was observed in CrN/TiSiN deposited with Ti80Si20 under 150 V. The irradiation-decelerated LBE corrosion could be attributed to the rapidly formed protective oxide layer resulting from the irradiation defects which accelerated nucleation and diffusion process during oxides formation. The decelerated effect was relatively weak in coatings deposited with a bias voltage under 100 V, in which the decrement is under 10 %. The enhanced corrosion resistance was attributed to the quickly formed dense and continuous chromium oxide which rapidly formed due to the irradiation induced defects and acted as diffusion barrier to slow down LBE penetration.