<p>High-entropy alloys (HEAs) energetic structural materials possess outstanding mechanical properties and impact-induced energy release characteristics. To explore the deformation and impact-induced ignition behavior of the TiZrTaNbHf alloy under impact loading, quasi-static and dynamic loading experiments were carried out using the quasi-static and dynamic compression experimental systems. The mechanical properties of the TiZrTaNbHf alloy under various strain rates were analyzed. High-velocity photography was employed to record the impact-induced energy release process of the TiZrTaNbHf alloy samples subjected to dynamic impact loading. Moreover, the impact-induced ignition and energy release behavior of the TiZrTaNbHf alloy were thoroughly investigated. Upon reaching a certain strain rate, the TiZrTaNbHf alloy specimen ignited, and the impact-induced energy release effect increased with the rise in strain rate. The energy release effect of the TiZrTaNbHf alloy is correlated with the fragmentation degree of the alloy.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>