Despite the numerous successful applications of lattice QCD in nuclear and particle theory, fundamental algorithmic challenges remain. Among those, relevant for numerical studies of QCD on a space-time torus, is topological freezing--a form of critical slowing down, which becomes particularly acute for lattice spacings less than 0.05 fm. In these proceedings, I highlight several recently proposed simulation strategies for ameliorating the problem of topological freezing, and discuss both their advantages and disadvantages. Then, I turn focus toward potential strategies for addressing critical slowing down in a more general context.