Stress evolution during reactive magnetron sputtering of binary TiN, ZrN and TaN thin films as well as ternary Ti-Zr-N and Ti-Ta-N solid-solutions was studied using real-time wafer curvature measurements. The energy of the incoming particles (sputtered atoms, backscattered At, ions) was tuned by changing either the metal target (M(Ti) = 47.9, M(Zr) = 91.2 and M(Ta) = 180.9 g/mol), the plasma conditions (effect of pressure, substrate bias or magnetron configuration) for a given target or by combining different metal targets during co-sputtering. Experimental results were discussed using the average energy of the incoming species, as calculated using Monte-Carlo simulations (SRIM code). In the early stage of growth, a rapid evolution to compressive stress states is noticed for all films. A reversal towards tensile stress is observed with increasing thickness at low energetic deposition conditions, revealing the presence of stress gradients. The tensile stress is ascribed to the development of a 'zone T' columnar growth with intercolumnar voids and rough surface. At higher energetic deposition conditions, the atomic peening mechanism is predominant: the stress remains largely compressive and dense films with more globular microstructure and smooth surface are obtained. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.