TSoftObjectPtr

struct CoreUObject Since 4.18

#include "UObject/SoftObjectPtr.h"

Description

A typed soft reference to a UObject asset that stores the asset path as a string. The asset is not kept in memory — it must be loaded on demand. Replaces the older TAssetPtr.

Signature

template<class T=UObject> struct TSoftObjectPtr

Caveats & Gotchas

• A valid TSoftObjectPtr does not mean the asset is loaded. Call LoadSynchronous() or use FStreamableManager::RequestAsyncLoad for async loading.
• Can be serialized and saved — the path string persists across sessions.
• Becomes invalid if the referenced asset is deleted or renamed in the editor.

Example

Async load a mesh asset C++

UPROPERTY(EditDefaultsOnly)
TSoftObjectPtr<UStaticMesh> MeshRef;

// Synchronous load (blocks until complete):
UStaticMesh* Mesh = MeshRef.LoadSynchronous();

// Or check if already loaded:
if (MeshRef.IsValid())
{
    UStaticMesh* Mesh = MeshRef.Get();
}

Version History

Introduced in: 4.18

Version	Status	Notes
5.6	stable	—

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