This article provides a comprehensive review of the current research on shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals. It begins by introducing nucleation and growth processes within the context of metal nanocrystal synthesis, followed by a discussion of the possible shapes that metal nanocrystals can take under different conditions. The authors then focus on various experimental parameters that have been explored to manipulate nucleation and growth in solution-phase syntheses, aiming to generate specific shapes. They elaborate on these approaches by selecting examples where there is a reasonable understanding of shape control or where the protocols have proven reproducible and controllable. The article highlights several applications enabled or enhanced by shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals and concludes with personal perspectives on future research directions in this field. The review emphasizes the importance of shape control in tailoring the properties of metal nanocrystals for various applications, such as catalysis, electronics, and medicine. It also discusses the challenges and advancements in understanding the complex physics behind the formation of nanocrystals with specific shapes.This article provides a comprehensive review of the current research on shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals. It begins by introducing nucleation and growth processes within the context of metal nanocrystal synthesis, followed by a discussion of the possible shapes that metal nanocrystals can take under different conditions. The authors then focus on various experimental parameters that have been explored to manipulate nucleation and growth in solution-phase syntheses, aiming to generate specific shapes. They elaborate on these approaches by selecting examples where there is a reasonable understanding of shape control or where the protocols have proven reproducible and controllable. The article highlights several applications enabled or enhanced by shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals and concludes with personal perspectives on future research directions in this field. The review emphasizes the importance of shape control in tailoring the properties of metal nanocrystals for various applications, such as catalysis, electronics, and medicine. It also discusses the challenges and advancements in understanding the complex physics behind the formation of nanocrystals with specific shapes.