How do soft pointers store references?

TSoftObjectPtr stores a path string (e.g., /Game/Items/Sword.Sword). On Load, the engine resolves the path to a UObject. If the asset moves, the path no longer resolves; LoadSynchronous returns null.

What's a CoreRedirect?

A configuration entry in DefaultEngine.ini that maps an old path to a new one. The engine applies redirects on load, so soft pointers using the old path automatically resolve to the new asset.

Why not just rename in the editor?

Editor rename creates redirectors (.uasset files at the old path that point to the new). These work but pollute the project and are sometimes accidentally deleted. CoreRedirects are explicit and centralized.

Fix: Unreal UObject Soft Pointer Stale After Rename

Quick answer: Add a [CoreRedirects] entry to DefaultEngine.ini mapping the old path to the new. Soft pointers using the old path automatically resolve to the renamed asset.

You rename SM_Sword to SM_LongSword via the editor. The redirector is created automatically. Two weeks later someone “cleans up” redirectors. Soft pointers in your data tables and Blueprints now return null because the redirector is gone.

Two Persistence Options

1. Redirector .uasset: editor-managed, automatic on rename. Lives at the old path; points to the new. Easily deleted by mistake.

2. CoreRedirect ini entry: explicit text config. Survives any asset cleanup. Recommended for important renames.

Add a CoreRedirect

; DefaultEngine.ini
[CoreRedirects]
+PackageRedirects=(OldName="/Game/Items/SM_Sword",NewName="/Game/Items/SM_LongSword")
+ClassRedirects=(OldName="BP_OldEnemy",NewName="BP_NewEnemy")
+PropertyRedirects=(OldName="BP_Player.OldHealth",NewName="BP_Player.MaxHealth")

PackageRedirects for whole-asset renames. ClassRedirects for class renames. PropertyRedirects for field renames. Add when you rename and commit; never delete unless you also resave every referencing asset.

Resave to Bake Redirects

After adding a redirect, run:

UnrealEditor.exe MyProject.uproject -run=ResavePackages -PackageFolder=Content

Resaves every asset using the new resolved paths. Once committed, the redirect can be removed — assets reference the new name directly.

Avoid Soft Pointer Surprises

Commit redirector .uasset files to source control if you don’t use CoreRedirects.
Never “fix up redirectors” (which deletes them) unless you’ve confirmed all references are resaved.
For critical paths (DLC content, save game references), prefer CoreRedirects over redirectors.

Verifying

Add a redirect for a known-renamed asset. In a fresh editor instance, LoadSynchronous on a soft pointer using the old path. Should return the new asset. Without the redirect, returns null.

“Renames break soft pointers unless you add a redirect. Either commit the redirector or write a CoreRedirect — one of the two.”

Adopt a policy: every rename gets a CoreRedirects entry in the same PR. Future cleanups can’t accidentally break references.