Reopen the planner first
If you added the file while the planner was open, it may not have re-scanned. Close and reopen the in-game Build Planner, or relaunch the game, to force a fresh scan of the folder.
Troubleshooting
PoE2 Build Planner not showing in game?
You dropped a .build file in the folder but the Build Planner is still empty or greyed out. The good news: the planner only activates once it detects a valid file, so "not showing" almost always points to one of a few fixable causes.
Unofficial fan-made guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Grinding Gear Games.
How the planner decides to show
The Build Planner uses an automated file watcher that scans the BuildPlanner folder. Its features only turn on once it detects at least one valid .build file. So an empty or greyed-out planner means the watcher hasn't accepted your file yet — not that the feature is broken.
"Not showing" vs "not working"
If the planner shows the build but it behaves oddly, that's a different problem — usually a patch or format issue.
Fast checklist to make it appear
1. Reopen the planner
Why: The watcher re-scans on open.
Do: Close and reopen the in-game Build Planner.
2. Confirm the folder
Why: A file one level too high is ignored.
Do: Make sure it's inside BuildPlanner, not Path of Exile 2.
3. Check the extension
Why: Hidden extensions create .build.txt.
Do: Enable file extensions; confirm it ends in .build.
4. Validate the JSON
Why: The watcher rejects invalid files.
Do: Run the validator and fix any errors.
5. Confirm a name
Why: A file without a name can look blank.
Do: Add a top-level "name" string.
6. Test with a minimal file
Why: Isolates folder vs file problems.
Do: Generate a starter file and see if it shows.
If even a minimal file won't show
Then the problem is the folder or platform, not your build. Re-check the exact path, and remember the planner only reads files on PC and Steam Deck — not console.
If the minimal file shows but yours doesn't
The folder is fine and your file is the issue. Validate it, confirm the extension, and re-export it if it came from before a recent patch.
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.