Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) Guide – How to Use In-Game Build Planner

Path of Exile 2 added an in-game Build Planner in Patch 0.5, giving players a simpler way to follow community builds without constantly switching between the game and a browser.

The system works with .build files. Once the file is placed in the correct folder, PoE 2 can show the file inside the passive tree screen, including passive routes, skill gems, support gems, and notes if the creator added them.

1. How Path of Exile 2 In-Game Build Planner Work

POE 2 in-game build planner

The Path of Exile 2 in-game Build Planner is a built-in guide system that lets you load a community build directly into the game. It does not create the build for you, spend your passive points, or equip your gear.

It simply shows the creator’s plan inside PoE 2 so you can follow it more easily while leveling or moving into endgame. The Build Planner can show:

• Passive tree routes.
• Weapon set passive routes.
• Skill gem recommendations.
• Support gem recommendations.
• Ascendancy guidance.
• Gear notes or stat priorities, if included by the creator.

The planner only displays the contents of the .build file. If a passive route, gem setup, ascendancy note, or gear priority is missing, the creator did not include it in that file.

2. What You Need Before Importing a .build File?

Before you start, make sure you have a proper .build file. A regular written guide, image, passive tree screenshot, or webpage will not appear inside the game unless it provides a downloadable Build Planner file.

• A downloadable .build file from the guide you want to follow. 
• Access to your Documents folder.
• The Path of Exile 2/BuildPlanner folder.
• Path of Exile 2 installed and updated.
• The correct phase, such as Act 1, Act 2, campaign, live build, or endgame.

3. PoE 2 Build Planner Files Location

Windows PoE 2 BuildPlanner directory

The Build Planner does not read files from your Steam install folder. It reads them from the BuildPlanner folder inside your Path of Exile 2 documents folder. 

• Use this path on Windows: C:/Users/YourName/Documents/My Games/Path of Exile 2/BuildPlanner
• For Steam Deck / SteamOS path is: /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/2315204395/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/My Games/Path of Exile 2/BuildPlanner
• Not available on Consoles during the current patch.

NOTE: If the folder is missing, launch Path of Exile 2 once after updating, then close the game and check again. You can also create the BuildPlanner folder manually inside the documents folder.

4. How to Import a Build File

.build file

Importing a build is simple once you have the right file. You only need to download the .build file and move it into the correct folder.

1. Open Documents.
2. Go to My Games.
3. Open Path of Exile 2.
4. Open the BuildPlanner folder.
5. Go to the website or guide where your chosen build is listed.
6. Choose the correct version of the build, such as campaign, live, or endgame.
7. Drag the downloaded .build file into the BuildPlanner folder.
8. Launch or restart Path of Exile 2.

5. How to Select an Imported File In-Game

Selecting build

Once the build file is in the folder, open Path of Exile 2 and select it from the passive tree screen. The Build Planner option is found in the top-left area of the passive tree interface.

1. Open Path of Exile 2.
2. Load your character.
3. Open the Passive Skill Tree.
4. Look at the top-left corner of the passive tree screen.
5. Click the Build Planner icon or dropdown.
6. Select the imported build from the list.
7. Follow the highlighted passive route and any included notes.

6. How to Update Your File Later

You should update your Build Planner file whenever the build changes significantly. This is common when moving from campaign leveling into maps or when the creator updates the build after a patch. 

1. Return to the guide.
2. Select the correct new phase, such as Act 3, campaign, live, or endgame.
3. Download the new .build file.
4. Move it into the BuildPlanner folder.
5. Delete or rename the old file if it is confusing.
6. Restart Path of Exile 2 if the new version does not appear.
7. Open the passive tree and select the updated build.

7. How to Fix Build Planner Files Not Showing

POE 2 buildplanner folder

If your imported build does not appear in-game, the issue is usually the file path, file type, or client refresh. The game needs a valid .build file in the correct BuildPlanner folder.

1. Make sure the file ends in .build.
2. Check that it is not saved as .build.txt.
3. Put it in Documents/My Games/Path of Exile 2/BuildPlanner.
4. Do not put it in your Steam install folder.
5. Restart Path of Exile 2 after adding the file.
6. Check the top-left of the passive tree screen for the Build Planner dropdown.
7. Download the file again if it may be corrupted.