<p>Stainless steel (SS) is widely employed in fields such as marine engineering due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, its limited strength and poor wear resistance hinder broader industrial application. Particle-reinforced stainless steel matrix composites (PR-SSMCs) are attracting significant research interest as they synergistically combine the hardness and wear resistance of reinforcing particles with the ductility and toughness of the SS matrix. Nevertheless, the optimal selection of reinforcing particles and fabrication methods for PR-SSMCs varies significantly with specific performance requirements and application conditions. Developing effective PR-SSMCs presents several challenges, including achieving uniform particle dispersion, ensuring strong interfacial bonding, controlling interfacial reactions, and managing microstructural evolution during heat treatment and hot deformation. A comprehensive understanding of the role of the reinforcing particles throughout the preparation process is crucial for improving the microstructure and properties of PR-SSMCs. However, current reviews primarily focus on particle-reinforced low-alloy steels or wear-resistant steels matrix composites, and a comprehensive review on PR-SSMCs is lacking. Therefore, this paper reviews recent advancements in PR-SSMCs, providing a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages associated with various particle types (e.g., TiC, SiC, WC, VC, NbC, Al₂O₃, TiB₂, and hBN), fabrication techniques (e.g., stir casting, powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and master alloy method), heat treatment (e.g., annealing, tempering, aging, and solution treatment), and hot deformation strategies (e.g., hot rolling, hot forging, and hot compression). Additionally, future research prospects for PR-SSMCs are also briefly discussed.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>