Particle techniques mainly deal with physically-based particle variations for phenomena and shapes in computer animation and geometric modeling. Typical particle techniques include smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation for animation and particle systems for shape modeling. SPH simulation and particle systems are meshfree methods and have been widely applied in engineering and applied sciences. Here, we provide a comprehensive survey on the recent developments, achievements, and future expectations of SPH and particle systems, with a detailed description of the classification and methods used in the field. Particularly, it has not only summarized the cutting-edge research of SPH methods and the particle systems, with a description of basic theories behind the particle system and method of the structuring mode for stimulating the irregular mode, but also proposed measures to improve the particle system. These applied methods mainly include the Lagrangian method, for simulating fluid phenomena, such as smoke, fire, explosion, wave, bubble, and free surface, which have been the focus of little attention in the past. Finally, future research directions and expectations are thoroughly discussed with the detail, acceleration, and control techniques used to meet the pressing real demand for real-time performance and flexibility.