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• C. difficile spore germination is regulated by two pseudoproteases. • The CspC germinant receptor and pseudoprotease regulates bile acid and co-germinant recognition. • C. difficile spore germination proceeds through an 'outside – in' pathway. • Inhibiting germination has shown promise in preventing disease in animal models. Germination by Clostridioides difficile spores is an essential step in pathogenesis. Spores are metabolically dormant forms of bacteria that resist severe conditions. Work over the last 10 years has elucidated that C. difficile spores germinate thorough a novel pathway. This review summarizes our understanding of C. difficile spore germination and the factors involved in germinant recognition, cortex degradation and DPA release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]