The hydrolock effect is a major influence on the production of oil and gas wells, and it is especially significant for low-permeability reservoirs. At present, scholars at home and abroad have done a lot of research on hydrolock damage mechanism, influencing factors, lifting methods, evaluation methods and other aspects, and have made great progress. However, there are few systematic summarization of the anti-hydrolocking agents, so it is instructive to investigate the existing anti-hydrolocking agents to understand the formulations of various anti-hydrolocking agents, the performance evaluation methods and the effects achieved on the subsequent research and preparation of anti-hydrolocking agents. The mechanism of hydrolock damage and the anti-hydrolocking agents were systematically summarized, and the current status of research on the effect of acid systems, surfactants and nanosystems in relieving hydrolock damage with the objectives of changing wettability, reducing interfacial tension and restoring reservoir percolation capacity was highlighted, and the evaluation methods of the developed anti-hydrolocking agents were systematically summarized. The development trend and focus of developing anti-hydrolocking agents were foreseen.