As the demand for energy storage escalates, sodium?ion batteries （SIBs） are increasingly in the spotlight due to their low cost and the plentiful availability of sodium resources. Particularly, hard carbon anode materials have emerged as a focal point of research, attributed to their superior cyclic stability and elevated energy density. This review delves into the advancements in hard carbon anode materials for SIBs, encompassing the screening and design of HCs precursors, surface modifications, pore structure adjustments, carbonization induction, heteroatom doping strategies, and additional tactics to augment the performance of HCs. By thoroughly examining the influence of HCs's pore structure, surface functional groups, and microstructure on the sodium storage mechanism, the review explores the potential for optimizing HCs performance through various fabrication processes. Furthermore, the article addresses the interfacial reaction mechanisms between HCs and electrolytes, along with possible avenues for enhancing HCs's cycling and rate capabilities through interface engineering. Ultimately, the review anticipates the future trajectory of HCs technology, including the design of nanostructures, surface modifications, and green manufacturing processes, underscoring the pressing need for the development of high?performance, cost?effective, and environmentally benign SIBs.