<p>The optimization of energy materials, particularly heterogeneous catalysts, requires a fundamental understanding of atomic-scale behavior under operating conditions. While four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) has revolutionized the mapping of static internal fields and strain, the stochastic and transient nature of catalytic reactions demands temporal resolution. Here, we explore the emergence of 5D-STEM (time-resolved 4D-STEM), a technique capable of visualizing the dynamic interplay of structure, charge, and chemistry in real time in both real and reciprocal space. We review the current stage of applying 4D-STEM for catalysis research, the necessity of continuous <i>in situ</i> recording for capturing dynamics using 5D-STEM, and the experimental and computational approaches required to manage the terabyte-scale datasets generated by these experiments.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>