Laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (L-DED) is a very quick and freeform fabrication process. L-DED is useful to fabricate near net shape for engineering applications as well as medical applications. L-DED has been successful in making a variety of pure metals and its alloys for industrial needs. This review paper gives an overview of the research progress in various types of metallic materials like nickel alloys, Stainless Steel (SS), and Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) fabricated by L-DED. Simultaneously, the effects of process parametric related factors also discussed. Introduction about nickel alloys, Stainless Steel, and FGMs relevant findings, and their advantages and disadvantages for these alloys are communicated. The paper shows the metallurgical, mechanical properties, and post-processing effects on L-DED fabricated nickel alloys, SS, and FGMs. This paper will be helpful to the researchers and industrialists and for those who are interested to do research in this field.