---
title: "Native Backend"
description: "Learn how to use the experimental native crash backend as an alternative to Crashpad on Windows and Linux."
url: https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/unreal/configuration/native-backend/
---

# Native Backend | Sentry for Unreal Engine

The Sentry Unreal SDK uses Crashpad as the default crash reporting backend on Windows and Linux. As an alternative, you can enable the experimental native backend, which uses a different crash handling architecture built into the sentry-native SDK.

The native backend is experimental and under active development. It may have incomplete features or unexpected behavior. It is currently not supported in the FAB version of the plugin.

This feature is supported on Windows and Linux only.

## [Configuration](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/unreal/configuration/native-backend.md#configuration)

The native backend is disabled by default. To enable it, navigate to **Project Settings > Plugins > Sentry > General > Native** and toggle **Use native crash backend (Experimental)**.

Alternatively, add the following to your project's configuration file:

`DefaultEngine.ini`

```ini
[/Script/Sentry.SentrySettings]
UseNativeBackend=True
```

Changing this setting requires a rebuild of the project.

### [Minidump Mode](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/unreal/configuration/native-backend.md#minidump-mode)

Controls how much memory is captured in crash minidumps. You can adjust this in **Project Settings > Plugins > Sentry > General > Native > Minidump capture mode**.

Available modes:

* `StackOnly` - Capture only stack memory. Fastest and smallest, suitable for production environments with high crash volumes.
* `Smart` (default) - Capture stack and heap around the crash site. Balanced mode providing good crash analysis without excessive overhead.
* `Full` - Capture full process memory. Most comprehensive but slowest to generate and upload. Best for development or staging environments.

### [Crash Reporting Mode](https://docs.sentry.io/platforms/unreal/configuration/native-backend.md#crash-reporting-mode)

Controls how crash data is collected and sent to Sentry. You can adjust this in **Project Settings > Plugins > Sentry > General > Native > Crash reporting mode**.

Available modes:

* `Minidump` - Write and send a minidump for server-side symbolication. No client-side stack unwinding is performed.
* `NativeStackwalking` - Walk the stack client-side in the crash daemon and send a JSON event with stack traces. No minidump is generated, resulting in faster uploads and smaller payloads.
* `NativeStackwalkingWithMinidump` (default) - Perform client-side stack unwinding and also attach a minidump for deep debugging when needed.