Abstract: Two dimensional numerical particle flow code(PFC^2D) is an important method to study the crack propagation characteristics of cracked rock. In review of related literatures, it is analyzed and summarized as follows:the current PFC^2D simulation methods are summarized in three aspects of particle contact constitutive model, microparameters calibration and simulation method of crack. According to the current research, the PFC^2D simulation of crack propagation characteristics is summarized focusing on the single cracked, intermittent double cracked rock under different loading methods. On this basis, the shortcomings of the current research are pointed out as follows. The fracture toughness of PFC^2D model is not in line with the actual value of rock. Simulation results of parallel-bond model and test results of rock are different. There are differences between real crack and simulation crack. Combined with the existing shortcomings in the study, the corresponding solutions are put forward and are expected to contribute to the development of PFC^2D simulation methods for cracked rocks.