jats:p The high-cycle fatigue (HCF) properties of γ-TiAl (gamma titanium aluminide) alloys are reviewed, particularly with regards to the deformation mechanisms active in the near-threshold cyclic loading regime. By examining the influence of lamellar orientation and thickness on the HCF threshold, in addition to more conventional microstructural considerations such as the grain size or the volume fraction of lamellar colonies, factors to improve the γ-TiAl microstructure for HCF are assessed. Finally, experimental methods and loading strategies are surveyed to identify techniques for improving HCF testing of γ-TiAl alloys. In this, we consider both the conservativism of differing approaches and the possibility to measure with suitable resolution the local mechanical behaviour under HCF of the lamellar γ-TiAl microstructure. </jats:p>jats:p This review was submitted as part of the 2018 Materials Literature Review Prize of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining run by the Editorial Board of MST. Sponsorship of the prize by TWI Ltd is gratefully acknowledged. </jats:p>