In this review we discuss various simulation methods for modeling nanoplasmas created from finite-size samples after their irradiation with femtosecond, intense X-ray pulses. Depending on the sample composition and its size, either a particle method or a transport method can be applied. Also, the observables of interest influence the choice of the simulation method. The current status of dedicated methods developed by the CFEL Theory Division at DESY in Hamburg and their possible extensions are presented together with some application examples.