Selective Laser Melted (SLM) Inconel718 (IN718) superalloy was linear friction welded (LFWed) to forged AD730 TM Nickel-based superalloy. Successful joints free of micro-porosity, micro-cracking, and oxides were obtained. Microstructure variations across the weld line developed during LFW were examined using different techniques, including laser confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The microstructure was also evaluated, particularly in terms of Grain size and misorientation changes were determined and correlated with microhardness evolution in different regions of the weld joint. The characteristics of the microstructure on both sides of the weld joint was analyzed and related to the deformation and temperature paths imposed during the LFW process. Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) occurred on both sides of the dissimilar weld line and it was found that Discontinuous DRX (DDRX) and Continuous DRX (CDRX) took place in the WZ and in the TMAZ, respectively. In order to study the influence of the starting microstructure in the LFW experiments, LFW of a homogenized SLM IN718 sample was analyzed and compared with the non-homogenized sample. A clear change in the size and grain misorientation levels of the heat and thermomechanical affected zones were observed between the two conditions. The differences were related to a greater degree of strain induced in homogenized sample and the increasing effect of the solid solution strengthening mechanism caused by a partial dissolution of the second-phase strengthening particles in the matrix.