Dark matter searches: status and prospects

In this proceeding, I give a broad overview on the current status of dark (DM) matter searches focusing on the latest developments of interest for the ICRC community. I start with revising what we know about this mysterious component which accounts for more than 25% of the whole matter- energy in the current universe. In particular, I explain what do cosmic probes tell us about the DM nature. I then provide the reader with some basics theory motivations of some of most relevant DM candidates, including high-priority targets and their extension. This theory overview is meant to illustrate the variety of the DM landscape. Finally, I offer a complementary approach to break the parameter space, based on the signatures these candidates leave in astroparticle observables. Focusing on specific examples I will show how one can use high-energy astrophysics to shed light onto the nature of DM.