Aqueous Zn-MnO₂ batteries hold a promising potential for grid-scale energy storage applications due to their intrinsic safety, low fabrication cost, environmental friendliness and high theoretical energy densities. Developing novel nanostructured cathode materials with high discharge voltage, large capacity and excellent structural stability is one of the critical ways to achieve the high-performance aqueous Zn batteries. Enlighten by that, comprehending principles of materials design and identifying the challenges faced by the state-of-the-art MnO₂ hosts are vital preconditions. Rather than a simple comparison, this review mainly focuses on design strategies regarding to MnO₂-based materials, including defect engineering, interfacial engineering, and pre-intercalation engineering. In addition, the energy storage mechanisms of MnO₂-based cathodes are discussed to clarify the complicated chemical reactions during battery cycling. Challenges and perspectives are outlined to guide the further development of advanced Zn-MnO₂ batteries.