Cartilage regeneration remains a significant challenge compared to bone, which has seen more successful regenerative approaches. Unlike bone, cartilage lacks intrinsic repair capabilities due to its avascular nature, limited cellularity, and inability to generate hyaline extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditional repair methods, such as marrow stimulation, allografts, and autografts, have limitations in terms of integration, viability, and long-term success. Tissue engineering aims to regenerate cartilage by using cells, scaffolds, and stimuli to create functional tissue, but challenges remain in replicating the biomechanical properties and integration with native tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for cartilage regeneration, but their differentiation into chondrocytes is limited. Scaffoldless techniques have shown potential in generating cartilage with high fidelity to native tissue, but challenges remain in achieving long-term integration and biomechanical compatibility. Cartilage's unique biomechanical environment, involving compression, tension, and lubrication, requires materials that can mimic these properties. Current technologies focus on enhancing compressive strength, reducing friction, and improving tensile properties to achieve durable cartilage repair. Integration of engineered cartilage with native tissue is critical for long-term success. Vertical integration with bone is more feasible, but lateral integration with adjacent cartilage is challenging due to low metabolism and anti-adhesive ECM. Strategies to enhance integration include anti-apoptosis agents, matrix-degrading enzymes, and scaffold functionalization. Future advancements in cartilage engineering may include the use of juvenile chondrocytes, co-cultures of chondrocytes and MSCs, and novel biomaterials that can support cartilage regeneration. Despite challenges, emerging technologies show promise in achieving durable, functional cartilage repair that could prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.Cartilage regeneration remains a significant challenge compared to bone, which has seen more successful regenerative approaches. Unlike bone, cartilage lacks intrinsic repair capabilities due to its avascular nature, limited cellularity, and inability to generate hyaline extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditional repair methods, such as marrow stimulation, allografts, and autografts, have limitations in terms of integration, viability, and long-term success. Tissue engineering aims to regenerate cartilage by using cells, scaffolds, and stimuli to create functional tissue, but challenges remain in replicating the biomechanical properties and integration with native tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for cartilage regeneration, but their differentiation into chondrocytes is limited. Scaffoldless techniques have shown potential in generating cartilage with high fidelity to native tissue, but challenges remain in achieving long-term integration and biomechanical compatibility. Cartilage's unique biomechanical environment, involving compression, tension, and lubrication, requires materials that can mimic these properties. Current technologies focus on enhancing compressive strength, reducing friction, and improving tensile properties to achieve durable cartilage repair. Integration of engineered cartilage with native tissue is critical for long-term success. Vertical integration with bone is more feasible, but lateral integration with adjacent cartilage is challenging due to low metabolism and anti-adhesive ECM. Strategies to enhance integration include anti-apoptosis agents, matrix-degrading enzymes, and scaffold functionalization. Future advancements in cartilage engineering may include the use of juvenile chondrocytes, co-cultures of chondrocytes and MSCs, and novel biomaterials that can support cartilage regeneration. Despite challenges, emerging technologies show promise in achieving durable, functional cartilage repair that could prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.