Hydrocracking of solvent deasphalted (SDA) pitch was performed in batch and semi-batch systems, at different reaction temperatures (380-430 ℃) with varying amounts of Mo-octoate precursor (0-1,000 ppm Mo) under 70-130 bar of H2 pressure. The reusability of the catalyst was also examined. Coke formation was unavoidable in the hydrocracking of the asphaltene-rich feed. The coke induction period was prolonged when the catalyst was introduced. Increasing the Mo catalyst concentration decreased the coke yield and improved the product quality. The catalytic hydrocracking of the SDA pitch under high H2 pressure suppressed coke formation, promoted desulfurization, and increased the H/C ratio of the liquid products. At least 500 ppm of Mo catalyst and H2 pressur above 110 bar were required for the hydrocracking of SDA pitch with controllable coke generation in the semi-batch system. Sufficient hydrogen supply and moderate catalyst concentration were essential for the slurry-phase hydrocracking of asphaltenerich feedstocks to enhance the product quality and suppress coke formation.