Rider 2026.3 Launches with .NET 11 Support and JetBrains Air
JetBrains updates its flagship IDE with agentic AI capabilities and game development enhancements.
1Immediate .NET 11 Integration
Rider 2026.3 provides full, day-one support for the .NET 11 framework and C# 15. Developers can immediately utilize new language features such as unions, closed hierarchies, and extension indexers. The update also includes specialized debugging support for .NET’s new Runtime Async, ensuring compatibility with the latest runtime advancements from the very start.
2Introducing JetBrains Air Agents
JetBrains Air debuts as a complete agentic development experience within the IDE environment. This feature allows users to direct and orchestrate autonomous agents to perform complex tasks. By verifying agent work directly inside the IDE, developers can streamline their coding processes and improve overall productivity through automated assistance and intelligent task management.
3Enhanced AI Agent Skills
The latest version expands Rider’s AI capabilities by introducing new agent skills and integration with the Rider MCP. Agents are now capable of executing tests independently. Furthermore, the IDE can automatically copy local project configurations into new Git worktrees, facilitating parallel workflows and more efficient code reviews for distributed development teams.
4Streamlined IDE Welcome Experience
Rider 2026.3 features a redesigned Welcome screen that simplifies the initial project setup process. Developers can now begin their work immediately without the requirement of opening a full solution file first. This change reduces friction for users who need to perform quick tasks or manage project configurations before diving into complex codebases.
5Advanced Game Development Tools
The update reinforces Rider’s position in game development by introducing new plugins for Lua and Verse. Professional debugging capabilities for the Godot engine have been added, alongside significant improvements to the C++ debugger, including natvis support. These additions aim to provide a more robust environment for developers working across various game engines.
6C++ Debugging and Workflow
Beyond engine-specific plugins, Rider 2026.3 enhances general C++ development workflows. The inclusion of command-line argument presets allows for more granular control during the build and debug phases. These technical refinements ensure that developers handling high-performance game code can maintain precision and speed while utilizing the IDE’s advanced diagnostic and execution tools.
7Parallel Workflow Optimization
The ability to manage Git worktrees directly through AI-driven configurations marks a shift toward more parallelized development cycles. By automating the replication of project settings, Rider minimizes the manual overhead typically associated with switching contexts or preparing environments for peer reviews, allowing developers to maintain focus on core logic and feature implementation.
8Evolving IDE Ecosystem
This release reflects a broader trend of integrating agentic workflows into professional software development tools. By combining .NET 11 support with AI orchestration and specialized game development features, JetBrains aims to keep Rider competitive for modern engineering needs. Users are encouraged to provide feedback via social platforms to shape future development iterations.
Original article: The JetBrains Blog — Rider 2026.3 Launches with .NET 11 Support and JetBrains Air