AbstractIn the process of simulating and modeling real objects, the phenomenon of objects penetrating each other may occur in the model, which is unrealistic and then the research of collision detection (CD) is generated. As a bottleneck of virtual environment simulation, researchers have conducted in‐depth research on CD, especially the CD of deformable objects. In this paper, we briefly review the related research on CD of deformable objects regarding relevant literature. First, we briefly introduce previous reviews of CD. Second, we review the popular research methods and limitations of CD between deformable objects. Third, we review the popular research methods and limitations of self‐collision detection in deformable objects. Finally, we discuss future directions of development. This review can be used as a reference for the application of CD in all directions.