Minecraft 26.3 Release Candidate 3: What Got Fixed

Minecraft 26.3 Release Candidate 3 is live for Java Edition, patching four bugs tied to VSync toggles, server resource pack settings, and sprint-attack combat. Mojang's Java Team says it's the third pass at smoothing out the Wilderness Bound game drop before it ships for real.

Three RCs in one cycle. That's not nothing, and it usually means the finish line is close.

What Got Fixed in RC3

The changelog is short, but each fix matters if you've been bumping into these issues. Here's the full list straight from the patch notes:

• MC-311456: VSync could get disabled on its own, even when the option said it was still on.
• MC-311477: Editing a server's "Server Resource Packs" setting didn't actually save the change.
• MC-311586: The reverse VSync bug also existed. It could turn on when the setting said it shouldn't.
• MC-311799: Sprint-attacking another player no longer slows the attacker down.

Nothing flashy here. No new blocks, no new mobs. Just cleanup.

Wilderness Bound Is Nearly Done

Mojang frames this release as part of the final polish pass on the Wilderness Bound game drop. The article doesn't go into what Wilderness Bound actually adds, so don't expect details on new features here. This RC is purely about stability before that update goes out the door.

Ever notice how the last few release candidates of a cycle are always the quietest? Fewer changes, smaller lists, less drama. That tends to be a good sign for how close a stable release is.

How to Install the Release Candidate

Getting RC3 running is simple if you already know your way around the launcher:

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher.
2. Go to the "Installations" tab.
3. Enable snapshots.
4. Select 26.3 Release Candidate 3 and launch it.

One warning worth repeating: test versions like this can corrupt your world. Back up your saves first, or better yet, run the RC in a separate folder away from your main worlds. It's a five-minute precaution that saves a lot of regret.

Server Jar and Reporting Bugs

A cross-platform server jar is available for anyone running a dedicated server on this version. If you run into new problems while testing, Mojang wants them reported through the official Minecraft issue tracker rather than left in comment sections where nobody on the Java Team will see them.

Got general feedback instead of a bug? There's a dedicated feedback site for that, and Mojang also points players toward the official Minecraft Discord if you'd rather talk it out with the community directly.

Should You Bother Updating?

If none of these four bugs affect you, there's honestly not much pulling you toward RC3 specifically. But if VSync has been acting weird on your setup, or you run a server and resource pack settings keep reverting, this is the fix you've been waiting for.

Worth saying clearly: this is a testing build, not the stable release. Here's the thing, treat it that way.

Minecraft 26.3 Release Candidate 3 Official Patch Notes

Source:Minecraft 26.3 Release Candidate 3.