I will review the revolution that has unfolded over the last 20 years in the search for the satellites in the Local Group and beyond thanks to a flurry of large photometric surveys with which we can unveil dwarf galaxies of incredibly low luminosity. The discovery and characterization of these smallest galaxies have pushed the edges of observational endeavors and theoretical advancements alike, reshaping our understanding of galaxy formation and dark matter. I will quickly review these exciting results, discuss what will be possible in dwarf galaxy studies over the next decade, and conclude with the potential role of HWO in furthering these scientific endeavors.