Abstract Climate change can bring about destructive effects (e.g., rising temperatures, heavy rains and droughts) to countries worldwide, severely influencing future growth and degrading the quality of life. Asia, which is home to the majority of the world's population, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. Asian countries are responsible for more than half of the global CO2 output and renewable energy production is limited. Unabated climate change may endanger previous economic developments and place the region's future at serious risk. Therefore, there is a clear need to increase the share of renewable energy via various sources. Importantly, the continent has extensive coastlines, with abundant wave energy in many areas. The main objectives of this study are to review the current status of wave energy in Asia and to provide an overview of the areas that may be considered for future development. For this purpose, Asia is divided into four regions: East, Southeast, South and West. Active wave energy projects are highlighted, and the wave energy potential is discussed country by country based on the data available in the literature, including suggested sites for development.