Choosing a C++ IDE for game development or general C++

Background

CLion and Rider both support C++, but the preferred IDE depends on whether the project is general-purpose C++ or game development. CLion is intended for general-purpose native C++ projects. Rider is intended for game-development workflows, especially Unreal Engine projects, and includes game-specific integration.

Question

Which IDE is preferred for general-purpose C++ projects and game-development projects?

Answer

Choose CLion for general-purpose C++ projects. This includes applications, libraries, tools, system software, embedded projects, and projects organized around CMake, Makefiles, Meson, or compilation databases. CLion also provides broad native debugging and embedded development support. See CLion project formats and CLion debugger options.

Choose Rider for game-development projects. Rider provides dedicated Unreal Engine integration, including Blueprint support, the UBT log view, and RiderLink. Rider can also open the Visual Studio solution and C++ projects used in common game development workflows (.sln/.vcxproj projects or CMake-based gamedev projects). See C++ support in Rider and Working with Unreal Engine projects in Rider.

As a general guideline:

1. Select Rider when working on game code, Unreal Engine projects, or game-specific tooling.
2. Select CLion when the repository is a general-purpose C++ project and gamedev-related features are not required.