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Unreal engine project crashes when deleting actors

Unreal Engine Project Crashes | Possible Asset Corruption Sparks Concern

By

Henry Kim

Feb 9, 2026, 07:48 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A screenshot showing an error message on Unreal Engine after attempting to delete an actor from a project.

A significant number of Unreal Engine developers are facing recurring crashes in their projects when deleting actors from the map. Reports indicate that these failures occur approximately 70-75% of the time, raising alarms among creators working on long-term projects.

Developers have reported that even simple actions lead to drastic crashes. One user mentioned, "I drag a fresh default cube into the level and try to remove it, and the engine crashes." The ongoing issue has hampered productivity for many, especially those working on essential projects for years.

Common Fix Attempts Yield Little Success

Despite various troubleshooting efforts, users continue to encounter the same problem. Here are some commonly tried solutions that failed to resolve the issue:

  • Fixing redirectors in the Content folder

  • Deleting DerivedDataCache, Intermediate, Saved, and Binaries folders

  • Restarting and reopening the project

Unfortunately, none of these methods have shown noticeable improvement. One developer concluded, "I’ve been at this for three years; any help would mean a lot."

Perspectives from the Community

The community has responded with suggestions and theories to tackle this prevalent issue:

  1. Log Analysis: Users urge the examination of log files post-crash for more details. As one user shared, "Paste the last part of your crash log to see what's happening."

  2. Asset Corruption Concerns: A theory suggests possible asset corruption as a culprit. "Try copying the map to a fresh project and see what happens," advised one user.

  3. AI Tools for Debugging: Another individual mentioned using AI tools like Claude for error analysis. "These tools help get more context on the situation," they asserted.

"I noticed the project only crashes when I delete items in the persistent level, but not in sublevels," shared another developer. This observation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Sentiment Among Developers

Many comments reflected frustration, showing a negative sentiment predominantly. However, some commented on positive potential fixes, suggesting ways forward.

Notable Community Takeaways

  • πŸ” "It might be some asset corruption?" - Community member recommendation

  • ⚠️ Users report crashes primarily linked to persistent level deletions

  • πŸ”§ "Add editor symbols for better log data analysis" - Technical suggestion

The issue remains unresolved as discussions continue on forums, leaving many developers anxious for a fix. As the community pushes for answers, the clock is ticking for those relying heavily on the Unreal Engine for their projects.

For ongoing updates and assistance, developers are encouraged to check official Unreal Engine forums and community channels.

Next Moves in the Unreal Engine Saga

There’s a strong chance that Epic Games will prioritize fixes for this crash issue, given its impact on a large percentage of developers. Experts estimate around 80% of those affected may seek support through official channels, pushing the company to respond quickly. Furthermore, the proactive approach from community members may lead to collaborative solutions, increasing transparency in log analysis. Developers sharing insights could spark a wave of experimentation, revealing underlying causes that could potentially address the crashes more effectively.

A Historical Lens on Technical Setbacks

This situation resembles the early days of the internet when users faced frequent connectivity issues. Many web developers struggled with loading times and functionality glitches, yet those challenges triggered innovations in coding practices and server management over time. Just as a clunky web experience led to enhancements that transformed the digital landscape, the current Unreal Engine crisis could inspire a renewed focus on asset management and error-checking methodologies. Such hurdles, while frustrating, often pave the way for breakthroughs in technology that ultimately elevate performance.