As one of the important factors affecting the stability of slide valves, the analysis and research of flow force are of great significance. In recent years, more and more experts and scholars have conducted research in this field, attempting to find methods to reduce or utilize the flow force of hydraulic spool valves. Flow force includes steady-state flow force and transient flow force, with steady-state flow force having the most significant impact on spool valves. The influencing factors of flow force are complex and diverse, including the cavitation phenomenon, shape of the throttling groove, and jet angle. At present, the main ways to reduce flow force are to design the structure of the spool valve, the structure of the valve sleeve, and the flow channel of the valve body. This article mainly reviews the definition, calculation methods, influencing factors, and methods for reducing the flow force of slide valves. This provides a new approach to reducing the flow force in hydraulic spool valves.