The multi-scale structures of complex flows have been great challenges to both theoretical and engineering researches, and multi-scale modeling is the natural way in response. Particle methods (PMs) are ideal constitutors and powerful probes of multi-scale models, owing to their physical insight and computational simplicity. In this paper, the role of different PMs for multi-scale modeling of complex flows is critically reviewed and possible development of PMs in this background is prospected, with the emphasis on pseudo-particle modeling (PPM). The performances of some different PMs are compared in simulations and new development in the fundamentals and applications of PPM is also reported, demonstrating PPM as a unique PM for multi-scale modeling.