MonoGame, the open source XNA inspired C# game development framework, just released a major new update – MonoGame 3.8.5. The first release of 2026, MonoGame is also a pretty massive restructuring. There is now a new C++ layer for all the native code, abstracting the platform implementation details away from the C# side of the engine. In addition the release adds new backends including Desktop Vulkan and Direct3D 12.
Highlights of the MonoGame 3.8.5 release:
New Native Backend: MonoGame is transitioning to a single native (C/C++) dynamic library to handle platform-specific implementations, reducing its reliance on a complex web of third-party C# wrappers. This architecture keeps the C# side of the framework entirely platform-independent and streamlines dependency management. It also gives the team direct control over the code, making bugs significantly easier to fix.
DesktopVK Target Platform: A new Vulkan-based desktop target called DesktopVK has been introduced to support Windows, Mac, and Linux using SDL2, Vulkan, and FAudio. This implementation adapts code originally developed for Google Stadia and matches the speed of existing target platforms right out of the gate. The foundation intends for DesktopVK to eventually replace the older DesktopGL platform.
WindowsDX12 Support: The framework now includes a Windows DirectX 12 target platform that is Microsoft GDK compatible, making it easier to publish games to the Microsoft Store or PC Game Pass. Because this code is shared with Xbox One and Series consoles, it ensures consistent behavior and reduces workload for the maintainers. Performance is currently neck-and-neck with their existing DirectX 11 backend.
Code-Centric Content Builder: This release debuts a brand-new Content Builder system that trades traditional static data configuration files for a flexible C# code-based design. Developers can now maintain a standard C# project to manage, filter, and compile their assets. This gives creators the flexibility to embed asset pipelines directly into custom game editors or development builds.
Expanded ARM Support: MonoGame is now shipping both development and runtime packages for ARM64 architectures across Windows, Mac, and Linux. This means you can build your games entirely on ARM devices rather than just deploying to them. It makes the engine highly accessible, opening up development workflows on low-power hardware like the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5.
Core Upgrades and Bug Fixes: The update delivers over 100 quality-of-life adjustments, including a new Random implementation and expanded GamePad support for up to 8 controllers. Key bug fixes resolve common headaches like games freezing in fullscreen, layout issues with SpriteFonts, and crashes during shutdown when music is playing. A standalone downloadable binary release is also now available alongside standard NuGet packages.
Key Links
You can learn more about MonoGame and the MonoGame 3.8.5 release in the video below.