On this page
- Direct answers
- What a .build file contains
- Platform support and import method
- Exact build folder paths per platform
- Downloading safely
- Step-by-step import
- Opening a build in game
- Choosing the right growth stage
- Reading passives, skills, and gear notes
- Editing and exporting your own file
- Build file validator
- Version compatibility
- Community questions answered
- Build Planner install video
- Common mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and verification
- Changelog
QUICK ANSWER
Direct answers
What is a .build file?
A .build file is a DATA file that stores a build's passive tree, ascendancy, skills, gear notes, and planner stages. It is not an executable program, and the Build Planner does not calculate real DPS - it only guides your in-game choices.
Where do I put it?
On Windows, place the file in Documents\My Games\Path of Exile 2\BuildPlanner. On Linux via Steam/Proton, use the Proton prefix's equivalent path. If the folder does not exist, the game creates it the first time you save or export, or you can create it yourself.
How do I use it in game?
Open the Passive Skill Tree or Gemcutting menu (press P on PC by current default), then click the blue icon / dropdown in the top-left corner and select your imported build. A blue line draws the recommended passive path.
OVERVIEW
What a .build file contains
A .build file is a JSON data file the Build Planner reads to draw a guided overlay inside the game. It stores the build author, a description, ascendancy, passive allocations, recommended skills and support gems, and inventory gear notes.
It is important to understand what it is NOT. A .build file is not an executable - you never run it, and your operating system should not open it as a program. The Build Planner is also not a damage simulator: it shows you which nodes, gems, and gear the build recommends, but it does not compute real DPS or compare builds numerically.
- Contains: passive tree plan, ascendancy, skills, support gems, gear notes, and planner stages.
- Does NOT contain: code that runs, macros, or a DPS calculator.
- Treat every .build file as plain data - only download from trusted sources.
REFERENCE TABLE
Platform support and import method
Where and how each platform currently imports .build files. Mac and console support is unverified as of 0.5.4 - check before relying on it.
| Platform | Current import method | File directory | Needs restart | Known limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Manual copy into the BuildPlanner folder | Documents\My Games\Path of Exile 2\BuildPlanner | Only if the game was open before the file was added | Full support, no known limits |
| Linux (Steam / Proton) | Copy into the Proton prefix BuildPlanner folder | .../steamapps/compatdata/ | Only if the game was already running | Appid varies per install - confirm the exact path |
| Mac | Not confirmed as of 0.5.4 (checkedAt 2026-08-02) | No documented official path | n/a | Support unverified - confirm before relying on it |
| Console (PlayStation / Xbox) | No .build code support as of 0.5.0 (checkedAt 2026-08-02) | n/a | n/a | Consoles do not use .build files |
Platform support changes between patches. The Mac and console rows are flagged pending PC verification against a live 0.5.4 client.
REFERENCE TABS
Exact build folder paths per platform
Copy the path that matches your platform and place the .build file inside the BuildPlanner folder. Create the folder if it does not exist.
Standard location below. You can paste it into the File Explorer address bar.
Documents\My Games\Path of Exile 2\BuildPlanner
- The game creates this folder automatically the first time you save or export a build.
- Place the .build file directly in BuildPlanner, not in a subfolder.
OVERVIEW
Downloading safely
A .build file is plain data, not a program, so it cannot execute code on its own. That said, only download .build files from trusted creators and communities you recognise.
- Download only from sources you trust; the file is data, never run it as a program.
- Prefer build pages that embed an official Export Build Planner button over unverified mirrors.
- If a site asks you to execute or 'run' the .build file, that is a red flag - close it.
PROGRESSION STEPS
Step-by-step import
Download the .build file
Get the file from a trusted build creator. If the build ships multiple level or budget variants, download the one matching your character.
Place it in the BuildPlanner folder
Move or save the file directly into Documents\My Games\Path of Exile 2\BuildPlanner (Windows) or the equivalent Proton path.
Create the folder if missing
If the BuildPlanner folder does not exist, create it, or open the in-game planner and export once so the game creates it for you.
Restart if the game was already open
The file watcher detects new files on launch or refresh. If the game was running, restart it or refresh so the build appears.
Refresh and select
Open the planner in game and confirm the build shows in the dropdown before following it.
OVERVIEW
Opening a build in game
Once the file is detected, open the Passive Skill Tree or Gemcutting menu. On PC the default key is P. A blue icon appears in the top-left corner of the planner screen.
- Click the blue icon to open the build dropdown.
- Select your imported build from the list.
- A blue line draws the recommended passive allocation path; red and green lines indicate weapon set I and II links.
- Gear notes appear when you hover the blue icon on each equipment slot.
DIAGNOSTIC
Choosing the right growth stage
A build may ship several Level / Budget files. Pick the one that matches your character's current stage.
OVERVIEW
Reading passives, skills, and gear notes
After selecting a build, the planner overlays its guidance across several panels. The Passive Skill Tree shows the recommended allocation path. The Gemcutting tab lists the suggested skill gems and support gems. Gear slots display stat-priority notes when you hover the blue icon.
- Passive tree: follow the blue line node by node; weapon-set colours show set I / II links.
- Ascendancy: the plan marks the recommended ascendancy choices.
- Skills: the Gemcutting tab shows required skill and support gems from your Uncut gems.
- Gear notes: hover the blue icon on each slot to read recommended priorities.
OVERVIEW
Editing and exporting your own file
You can edit and export your own build from inside the game. The exported .build file captures the passives, ascendancy, skills, gear notes, and planner stages you set up, so you can share it or reload it later.
- You control your own exported file - it stores the plan you built, nothing executable.
- The file does not store live character stats, currency, or a DPS calculation.
- Re-export after major changes so your saved file stays current.
DIAGNOSTIC
Build file validator
Use this to work out why a file is not loading. The validator only checks the extension, filename, and basic structure - it never executes code.
VERSION CONFLICTS
Version compatibility
Third-party .build files can be outdated. Confirm the build's patch matches your game version.
- Verify the .build file's patch matches the game version before importingvalid自 0.5.4
A file tagged for the current 0.5.4 client loads and overlays correctly.
- Avoid third-party files tagged for pre-0.5 patchesoutdated自 0.5.0
The Build Planner launched in 0.5.0; codes from before that may not apply to the current tree.
- Re-download if the validator flags the file as invalidconflict自 0.5.4
A corrupted or mismatched build will not load; fetch a clean copy from a trusted source.
CARD GRID
Community questions answered
Common issues players report and how this guide resolves them.
No BuildPlanner folder
Create it yourself at Documents\My Games\Path of Exile 2\BuildPlanner, or export once in game so the client makes it.
File not showing in the dropdown
Check the extension is .build, the file is not in a subfolder, and the game was restarted after adding it.
Mac / console support
As of 0.5.4 / 0.5.0 (checkedAt 2026-08-02) Mac paths are unverified and consoles do not use .build codes - use a PC or Steam client.
SCREENSHOTS & VIDEO
Build Planner install video
Ydoc
How To Install Path of Exile 2 In Game Build Planner
A walkthrough of finding the BuildPlanner folder, importing a .build file, opening the planner in game, selecting the right stage, and reading the build notes.
What to watch for: Put the .build file in the BuildPlanner folder, restart if needed, then open the planner with P and pick your stage from the dropdown.
Open source ↗COMMON MISTAKES
Common mistakes
Most import failures come from a handful of avoidable mistakes.
- Wrong folder: the file must sit in BuildPlanner, not Downloads or a subfolder.
- Wrong extension: it must be .build, not .txt or .json.
- Game not refreshed: the file watcher only sees new files after launch or restart.
- Outdated build: a file from an old patch may not match the current tree - verify its version.
- Treating it as a program: a .build file is data; never 'run' it.
PROBLEMS & ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Is a .build file safe to open?
Yes - it is a plain data file, not an executable. It cannot run code. Only download from trusted sources and never open it as a program.
Does the Build Planner calculate DPS?
No. It overlays a recommended passive path, skill gems, and gear notes. It does not compute damage. Use a separate planner for DPS math.
Why is my file not showing up?
Check three things: the extension is .build, the file is directly in the BuildPlanner folder (not a subfolder), and the game was restarted after you added it.
Can I use .build files on console?
As of 0.5.0 (checkedAt 2026-08-02) consoles do not support .build codes. Use a PC or Steam client for Build Planner imports.
How do I pick the right variant of a build?
Each build may ship multiple Level / Budget files. Choose the one whose notes match your character's level and gear, and advance to the next variant as you progress.
SOURCES & CHANGELOG
Sources and verification
Path of Exile 2 developer docs - Build Planner file format and BuildPlanner directory
Ydoc - How To Install Path of Exile 2 In Game Build Planner
PoE 2 wiki - Build Planner and related systems
games.gg - Path of Exile 2 Build Planner Guide: How to Import Builds In-Game
CHANGELOG
Changelog
- Initial guide published covering .build file import, export, platform paths, stage selector, validator, and version compatibility for patch 0.5.4.
- Mac and console support flagged pending PC verification (checkedAt 2026-08-02).
Information is compiled from public web sources and in-game observations; some visuals are original editorial diagrams. External information and images remain the property of their authors or platforms; contact us for removal requests.