PoE2 .build Helper

Unofficial PoE2 Build Planner helper

Check your PoE2 .build file before the game tries to load it.

Paste a .build file, find the right BuildPlanner folder, and generate a minimal starter file. Everything runs locally in your browser.

This fan-made tool is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Grinding Gear Games.

Validate my .build file Generate a starter file

Paste your .build file

Checks JSON structure, common missing fields, and import issues.

Local only
No file selected

Your pasted file is checked in your browser. V1 does not upload or store the file content.

Put the file in the right BuildPlanner folder

Path of Exile 2 reads .build files from a BuildPlanner folder in your local game documents path.

Windows

Most players

Use this when PoE2 runs from a regular Windows documents folder.

C:/Users/<Name>/Documents/My Games/Path of Exile 2/BuildPlanner

Steam Deck / SteamOS

Proton

Use this as a starting point for the Proton Windows documents folder.

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/2315204395/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/Documents/My Games/Path of Exile 2/BuildPlanner

The compatdata id may vary by install. Confirm your local Steam app folder if this path does not exist.

Generate a minimal starter .build file

This creates a minimal starter file, not a complete character build.

Starter file ready when the preview has a build name.

JSON preview

Starter file ready 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Common reasons PoE2 does not detect a build file
 
Use this checklist before assuming the build itself is broken.
 
 
 
 
Wrong folder
 
Symptom: The build never appears in game.
 
Quick check: Confirm the file is inside the local BuildPlanner folder.
 
Fix: Copy the platform path above and move the file there.
 
 
 
Wrong extension
 
Symptom: The file looks correct but is ignored.
 
Quick check: Look for .json, .txt, or hidden extensions.
 
Fix: Rename the file so it ends with .build.
 
 
 
Invalid JSON
 
Symptom: The file was edited by hand or copied from a comment.
 
Quick check: Run the validator and look for INVALID_JSON.
 
Fix: Repair the comma, quote, or brace shown in the error.
 
 
 
Missing name
 
Symptom: A minimal file has no obvious build label.
 
Quick check: Confirm a top-level string name field exists.
 
Fix: Add "name": "My Build" and validate again.
 
 
 
Experimental format
 
Symptom: A file worked before a patch but now behaves differently.
 
Quick check: Re-export from the source build tool if possible.
 
Fix: Treat this validator as best-effort after PoE2 updates.
 
 
 
Linux path mismatch
 
Symptom: Steam Deck instructions do not match your install.
 
Quick check: Confirm your Steam compatdata folder.
 
Fix: Use the SteamOS path as a starting point, not a universal Linux path.
 
 
 
 
 
 
FAQ
 
 
 
 
Is this an official Path of Exile 2 tool?
 
No. This is an unofficial fan-made helper and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or approved by Grinding Gear Games.
 
 
 
Does this upload or store my file?
 
No. V1 checks pasted or selected files locally in your browser. It does not upload the file content or save generated JSON.
 
 
 
Can this guarantee the game will detect my build?
 
No. The checks are best-effort because the PoE2 Build Planner file format is experimental and can change after patches.
 
 
 
Why does my file still not show in game?
 
The most common causes are wrong folder, wrong extension, invalid JSON, or a Steam/Proton path mismatch. Start with the validator, then confirm the path.
 
 
 
What if the format changed after a patch?
 
Re-export the file from the source tool if possible. This helper may need rule updates when the experimental Build Planner format changes.
 
 
 
Can I make a complete character build here?
 
No. This site focuses on validating, placing, and generating starter .build files, not full passive tree planning.