TWeakObjectPtr

struct CoreUObject Since 4.0

#include "UObject/WeakObjectPtr.h"

Description

A weak reference to a UObject that does not prevent garbage collection. Automatically becomes invalid when the referenced object is destroyed.

template<class T, class TWeakObjectPtrBase> struct TWeakObjectPtr

• Always call IsValid() before dereferencing — the object may have been GC'd since you stored the pointer.
• TWeakObjectPtr cannot be used across frame boundaries safely without the IsValid() check each time.
• Serialization: TWeakObjectPtr is not saved/loaded automatically. Use TSoftObjectPtr if you need a persistent reference.
• Can be used as a UPROPERTY — unlike raw pointers, it will not keep the object alive.

Store a reference that shouldn't block GC C++

TWeakObjectPtr<AActor> WeakTarget;

// Store
WeakTarget = SomeActor;

// Use later
if (WeakTarget.IsValid())
{
    WeakTarget->DoSomething();
}

Introduced in: 4.0

Version	Status	Notes
5.6	stable	—

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