Drilling and blasting remain central to tunneling in Sweden, where high standards for minimal overbreak and damage drive the research towards a deeper understanding of blast-induced cracks. Recent research rethinks the approach of examining the effects of explosive detonation and its interaction with the surrounding rock. This paper synthesizes advances from small-scale studies on crack initiation, development, and coalescence during blasting. Key parameters, such as decoupling ratio, specific charge, and the strategic use of empty guideholes significantly influence the extent and direction of blast-induced cracks. High-speed imaging offers valuable information about crack propagation behavior. The results enhance the understanding of how these blast design parameters govern crack propagation, enabling the tailoring of the blast designs that promote desired cutting cracks while minimizing the unwanted or damaging ones. The emphasis of this work refers to tunnel contour stability and efficient rock cutting, contributing to crack propagation control. The findings provide a foundation for evaluating blast damage, supporting a more precise, sustainable, and safer tunneling while identifying gaps for future research.