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A refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) NbHfTiV was selected as the master alloy and carbon element was introduced to synthesize the novel NbHfTiVC x RHEAs (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3), which perform outstanding strength and excellent ductility simultaneously. Phase identification, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties were systematically analyzed. The results show that the primary MC-type carbides and nano-precipitate carbides are generated in the BCC matrix phase with the addition of carbon. The primary carbides evolve from solid spheroid (x = 0.1) to sandwich-like pattern (x = 0.2, 0.3), and grain size is significantly refined from 537 µm (x = 0) to 25 µm (x = 0.3). Compressive tests show that the yield strength increases from 958 MPa to 1115 MPa, and the fracture mechanism is changed from ductile fracture to ductile and brittle mixed fracture with carbon content increasing. Meanwhile, the atomic size mismatch and elastic mismatch of the matrix phase reduce with carbon content increasing, which could decrease the lattice distortion degree and soften the matrix phase. [Display omitted] • Carbides (FCC-MC) are generated in BCC matrix with the addition of carbon. • After adding carbon, the grain size is greatly refined from 537 to 25 µm. • Increasing carbon content release severe lattice-distorted and soften the matrix. • Yield strength of NbHfTiVC x RHEAs increase from 958 (C 0) to 1115 MPa (C 0.3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]