The present paper reports on the current status of the 3-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3DXRD) microscope and its applications within the field of recrystallization. Three different experimental set-ups will be presented focussing on the characterization of the as-deformed microstructure, growth kinetics of individual grains and 3D mapping of position and morphology, respectively. For each technique examples of the obtained data is presented. Finally, the current limitations of the techniques will be discussed, and ongoing/future improvements of the microscope as well as their implications for future recrystallization experiments will be outlined.