As the world’s energy problems become more prominent, natural gas hydrates have received much attention as a new type of energy. Due to the special nature of natural gas hydrates, extremely stringent requirements are imposed on exploration and mining in the frozen soil or marine environment. Drilling fluid plays an important role in ensuring safe drilling of natural gas hydrate. Therefore, research on hydrate drilling fluid has been an important part of natural gas hydrate exploration technology research. This paper focuses on the research progress of hydrate inhibitors and drilling fluid systems, and analyzes the development trend of natural gas hydrate drilling fluids.