Abstract: Directed energy deposition-arc (DED-Arc) technology has garnered significant attention in both scientific research and industrial equipment fields due to its exceptional characteristics. It shows immense application potential in equipment manufacturing sectors such as aerospace and weaponry. The heat source, a core component of DED-Arc, is used for melting metal wires. The stability and control precision of the heat source directly affect the melting quality of the metal wires, while the amount of heat input determines the forming efficiency. Path planning is another critical core technology, directly influencing the forming quality and properties of the components. This paper outlines the recent research progress in heat sources of DED-Arc, including multi-electrode coupled, actively constrained, and multi-energy field composite arcs, as well as advancements in path planning. Additionally, it provides prospects for future research directions.