<p>Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have emerged as pivotal contenders in the realm of future electrochemical energy storage technologies Due to their exceptional theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg⁻¹, high specific capacity of 1675 mAh g⁻¹, low manufacturing costs, environmental friendliness, and good thermal stability. However, challenges such as the “shuttle effect” of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) during charge and discharge, low utilization rates of active materials, and volume expansion hinder their commercialization. In recent years, polymetallic center sulfur fixation carriers have offered a novel strategy to address these issues. This review summarizes the research progress on multimetal active center materials as sulfur-fixing carriers for cathodes, elucidates the synergistic effects of multimetal compounds in sulfur cathode matrix materials, and categorizes them into three types: composite materials, heterostructures, and high-entropy materials, based on their distinct mechanisms of action. Additionally, it outlines the adsorption-catalytic mechanisms of these three types of multimetal-centered sulfur host materials and offers prospects for future research directions.</p> Graphical abstract <p>Developing high-performance, low-cost sulfur host materials is crucial for the commercialization of lithium-sulfur batteries. This section first introduces the limitations of sulfur cathodes in lithium-sulfur batteries and the mechanisms of three types of materials as sulfur hosts. Finally, the challenges and prospects of these three types of materials are discussed.</p> <p></p>