This review paper explores the advancements in hydrogel design for articular cartilage regeneration (CR). Articular cartilage (AC) defects are common worldwide and can lead to joint breakdown, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent progressive degeneration. Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, have emerged as promising scaffolds for CR due to their biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent permeability. The paper identifies key criteria for hydrogel design, including components, mechanical properties, biodegradability, structural design, and integration capability with native tissue. It discusses stratified-structural hydrogels that emulate the native cartilage structure and the impact of environmental stimuli on regeneration outcomes. Recent advances in hydrogel design, such as the use of natural and synthetic biomaterials, are highlighted, along with the importance of mechanical properties like stiffness, elasticity, and load-bearing capacity. The paper also addresses biodegradability, porosity, and interconnectivity, emphasizing the need for hydrogels to degrade gradually and support tissue regeneration. Finally, it explores methods for integrating hydrogels with native tissue, including injectable hydrogels and the use of bioadhesives, to ensure immediate functionality and long-term performance of repaired cartilage. The review underscores the potential of biomimetic hydrogels in restoring the composition, structure, and biomechanical functions of articular cartilage, offering significant promise in addressing the unmet clinical needs for cartilage tissue engineering.This review paper explores the advancements in hydrogel design for articular cartilage regeneration (CR). Articular cartilage (AC) defects are common worldwide and can lead to joint breakdown, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent progressive degeneration. Hydrogels, three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, have emerged as promising scaffolds for CR due to their biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent permeability. The paper identifies key criteria for hydrogel design, including components, mechanical properties, biodegradability, structural design, and integration capability with native tissue. It discusses stratified-structural hydrogels that emulate the native cartilage structure and the impact of environmental stimuli on regeneration outcomes. Recent advances in hydrogel design, such as the use of natural and synthetic biomaterials, are highlighted, along with the importance of mechanical properties like stiffness, elasticity, and load-bearing capacity. The paper also addresses biodegradability, porosity, and interconnectivity, emphasizing the need for hydrogels to degrade gradually and support tissue regeneration. Finally, it explores methods for integrating hydrogels with native tissue, including injectable hydrogels and the use of bioadhesives, to ensure immediate functionality and long-term performance of repaired cartilage. The review underscores the potential of biomimetic hydrogels in restoring the composition, structure, and biomechanical functions of articular cartilage, offering significant promise in addressing the unmet clinical needs for cartilage tissue engineering.