This review discusses recent developments, advances, and strategies in heterogeneous photocatalysts for water splitting. Photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) is a promising technology for generating sustainable fuel using light energy. The study focuses on overall water splitting (OWS) using one- and two-step excitation systems, and explores current advancements in light-absorbing materials and methods for isolating photoinduced charges. It covers various aspects of PWS, including chemical and physical changes, environmental factors, different photocatalyst types, and parameters affecting PWS. The study highlights the importance of developing efficient photocatalysts that can convert sunlight into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) with high efficiency. The review also discusses the challenges in PWS, such as charge recombination, and the need for novel materials and synthesis techniques to improve PWS efficiency. The study emphasizes the importance of visible-light-driven water splitting systems, as visible light constitutes a large portion of the solar spectrum. The review also discusses the thermodynamics of PWS, the role of photocatalyst band gaps, and the importance of surface and band structures in PWS. The study highlights the potential of various photocatalysts, including BiVO₄, TiO₂, and Ta₃N₅, for efficient PWS. The review concludes that further research is needed to improve the efficiency and stability of PWS systems.This review discusses recent developments, advances, and strategies in heterogeneous photocatalysts for water splitting. Photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) is a promising technology for generating sustainable fuel using light energy. The study focuses on overall water splitting (OWS) using one- and two-step excitation systems, and explores current advancements in light-absorbing materials and methods for isolating photoinduced charges. It covers various aspects of PWS, including chemical and physical changes, environmental factors, different photocatalyst types, and parameters affecting PWS. The study highlights the importance of developing efficient photocatalysts that can convert sunlight into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) with high efficiency. The review also discusses the challenges in PWS, such as charge recombination, and the need for novel materials and synthesis techniques to improve PWS efficiency. The study emphasizes the importance of visible-light-driven water splitting systems, as visible light constitutes a large portion of the solar spectrum. The review also discusses the thermodynamics of PWS, the role of photocatalyst band gaps, and the importance of surface and band structures in PWS. The study highlights the potential of various photocatalysts, including BiVO₄, TiO₂, and Ta₃N₅, for efficient PWS. The review concludes that further research is needed to improve the efficiency and stability of PWS systems.