Unused Asset Detective

Unused Asset Detective is a conservative cleanup assistant for Unreal Editor. It helps you review possible cleanup candidates inside /Game, understand why each result was shown, and move selected candidates into a recoverable quarantine before you decide whether anything should be deleted manually.

It does not promise perfect unused asset detection, and it never permanently deletes assets. Unreal projects can load content through C++, configuration, data tables, string paths, scripts, DLC, or external systems that the Asset Registry cannot always prove.

KEY FEATURES

Conservative Reference Review

Checks Hard, Soft, Manage, and SearchableName Asset Registry references. Optional live reference check for assets already loaded in the editor. Waits for Asset Registry discovery before evaluating the project. Reviews all ordinary asset types under /Game. Shows candidate count and package disk size, including common package sidecar files.

Protected Results

Soft referenced assets can be displayed as protected, report only rows. Protects registered Primary Assets, maps, levels, redirectors, map build data, HLOD and World Partition support assets. Protects World Partition / One File Per Actor external packages. Protects localized packages and source assets with localized variants. Protected rows cannot be selected or quarantined by the plugin.

Recoverable Quarantine Workflow

No Delete Forever command and no permanent deletion API. Revalidates every selected asset immediately before any move. Moves approved candidates through Unreal's standard rename dialog. Preserves the original folder structure inside a unique timestamped quarantine. Writes a CSV recovery manifest containing original and quarantine object paths. Uses clear Planned, Completed, Cancelled, and ReviewRequired manifest states.

Mutation Guards

Blocks quarantine while Play or Simulate is active. Blocks quarantine when content or map packages have unsaved changes. Aborts if an asset gained a dependency, became excluded or protected, cannot load, has localized variants, contains multiple top level assets, or conflicts with the destination. Works with Unreal's normal asset and source control workflow.

Review and Reporting Tools

Search by asset name or path. Filter textures, meshes, materials, Blueprints, sounds, animations, particles, or all types. Select only modifiable candidates. Open highlighted assets in the Content Browser. Export the currently filtered report to CSV. Add folder exclusions directly from the Content Browser or the plugin window. Optional report only view for soft references. Optional registry only scan. Cancellable, timer batched validation keeps the interface responsive.

Safe Empty Folder Cleanup

Disabled by default. Removes only physically empty directories, one directory at a time. Never recursively deletes a populated folder. Preserves /Game, quarantine, legacy Trash, localization, World Partition external folders, files, non asset files, and child directories.

RECOMMENDED WORKFLOW

1. Commit or back up the complete project. 2. Open Tools Unused Asset Detective. 3. Configure exclusions and click Scan Project. 4. Inspect every result and export a report if desired. 5. Select only candidates you understand, then choose Move to Quarantine. 6. Restart the editor and test every important editor and gameplay flow. 7. Cook and package the project, then test that build. 8. Restore anything required using the recovery manifest. 9. Permanently delete quarantined assets manually only after you accept the remaining risk.

IMPORTANT

A Candidate label means that the plugin found no tracked registry dependency under its current checks. It is not proof that the asset is unnecessary. Dynamic and external loads can be invisible to static reference analysis. Source control or a full backup remains essential.

Compatibility

Unreal Engine 5.6, 5.7, and 5.8 Windows 64 bit development platform Editor only C++ plugin No runtime module, Blueprints, or plugin content