Ni-based anode materials of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are susceptible to carbon deposition and deactivation in direct hydrocarbon fuels, greatly limiting the commercialization. Extensive studies on finding new alternative anode materials have been developed; however, new problems such as low electrochemical performance and complex cell preparation process destroyed the further research passion of Ni-free anode materials. Considering the superior catalytic activity and mature technology of Ni-based anode materials, a large number of recent research results proved that it is still important and promising to solve the carbon coking of Ni-based anode materials. In this review, progress in four typically promising Ni-based anode materials free from carbon coking has been summarized, including the noble metals, ceria, Ba-containing oxides and titanium oxide. Correspondingly, the mechanisms that improve the carbon tolerance of Ni-based modified SOFCs anodes are clearly concluded, providing the materials and theoretical basis for the use of direct hydrocarbon SOFCs as early as possible.