Make the game more approachable.
The first thing every fan of ARPGs learns about Path of Exile 2 is just how complex the leveling system is. Even with a lot more onboarding tools within the game, the addition of even more systems on top of systems makes it even more complex than the first entry in the series! So, this article is for you, who wants to try the game with no fear of getting lost in the weeds. A compilation of the most useful community-made tools to help you plan out your builds with little to no hassle! That way, the only thing you have to use your brainpower on is dealing with the monsters of Wraeclast.
You can know everything, from how you want your skill tree to look to what gear to get to make your character the best they can be. However, without plenty of PoE 2 currency, you might not go far. Luckily, the folks over at PlayHub have you covered with the best deals!
Why Build Planners Matter More Than Ever in Path of Exile 2
You might be thinking: “Why not just figure it out as I play?”
And honestly, sure – you could. But Path of Exile 2 isn’t your run-of-the-mill hack-and-slash. With hundreds of skill gems, a sprawling passive skill tree, and that brand-new socketed weapon system, winging it is basically asking for pain. The kind that hits your DPS and your pride.
Build planners let you simulate your dream setup before wasting precious orbs or regret points. You can map out every keystone, every gear piece, and even test damage outputs based on skill interactions. And with the way Path of Exile 2 rewires its gem system (skill gems are now socketed into weapons, not armor), planning ahead isn’t just optional – it’s survival.
- Path of Building (Community Fork) – Still the Gold Standard
Let’s be honest: if you’ve played Path of Exile for more than 20 minutes, you’ve probably heard of Path of Building, affectionately called “PoB.”
This tool is the granddaddy of all build planners. It’s not flashy – no slick animations or fancy web UI – but it’s absurdly powerful. The Community Fork, maintained by die-hard fans, constantly updates to support every new mechanic, skill gem, and patch detail.
And yes, the team behind it has already announced early support plans for Path of Exile 2. That means you’ll soon be able to preview the new passive trees and socket systems before you even log into the beta.
Why players love it:
- Detailed DPS calculations and defensive stat breakdowns.
- Full import/export from game character profiles.
- Skill tree and gear simulation for PoE2-ready builds.
- Offline functionality (perfect for late-night theorycrafting marathons).
It’s open-source, endlessly customizable, and – let’s be real – the only tool some players trust with their builds.
- PoE Planner – For the Visual Thinkers
If Path of Building is the engineer’s playground, PoE Planner is the artist’s studio. It’s web-based, straightforward, and perfect for players who want to see their skill tree grow in real-time without opening a million tabs and losing themselves in the math of it all.
Previously they only had a Path of Exile 1 section, but they now have a section for PoE 2 as well, implementing more and more features to it as time goes on.
This is the perfect tool for those players who want all the information to be clear and the layout to be simple. Almost no number crunching, and you can share your builds with friends to get a second opinion!
- Craft of Exile – Because Gear Matters
Here’s the thing: a perfect passive tree means nothing if your gear looks like you looted it off a beach crab. Enter Craft of Exile, the web tool that simulates crafting so realistically it almost feels like cheating (without, you know, actually cheating).
This one’s not a traditional “build planner,” but it’s absolutely essential for PoE2 preparation. It helps you test:
- Item modifiers and affix probabilities.
- Crafting paths using fossils, essences, orbs, and more.
- Cost estimation for endgame gear.
And because Path of Exile 2 introduces new item bases and weapon types, Craft of Exile’s upcoming PoE2 integration will be a godsend for those who like to plan their gear before launch day.
- Community Discords and Reddit Build Sheets
Now, not every build planner lives in a fancy UI. Some of the best ones live in… Google Sheets.
The Path of Exile Reddit community and several Discord servers (like PoE University and BuildHub) are constantly sharing spreadsheet-based planners and class templates. These crowdsourced resources are goldmines – especially right after new leagues or expansions drop.
Expect to see early Path of Exile 2 templates popping up here too. These community planners often feature:
- Pre-linked skill and weapon gem setups.
- Suggested leveling routes.
- Gear progression notes for new acts.
They’re messy, sure – but they feel alive, updated by players who love tinkering and testing.
- Skycoach.gg – The Rising Star in PoE2 Guides
Skycoach’s blog has announced expansion into Path of Exile 2 content.
Their approach is less about build simulation and more about build curation – professionally written guides, leveling blueprints, and progression checklists. It’s designed for players who want to play, not number-crunch.
Expect PoE2 builds that come pre-tested, neatly explained, and regularly updated. If you’re new to the series or just overwhelmed by the layers of complexity, Skycoach will probably be your best friend when PoE2 drops.
The Future of Build Planning: Integrations and AI?
With Path of Exile 2 modernizing so many of its systems, some developers are experimenting with AI-assisted build planning. Early prototypes are already floating around – tools that analyze passive trees, item stats, and even player preferences to recommend optimized builds automatically.
Imagine uploading your character data and getting a suggestion like: “Hey, your DPS would increase by 27% if you switched to dual daggers.”
That’s where we’re heading. Tools that don’t just display data – they understand it. It’s a little wild, a little futuristic, and honestly, kind of exciting.
So, Which Tool Should You Use?
It really depends on what you find more approachable.
- If you love spreadsheets and math: Path of Building was made for you.
- If you prefer clarity and visuals: PoE Planner hits the sweet spot.
- If crafting makes your heart sing: Craft of Exile is your playground.
- And if you want to follow pro-tier meta builds: Maxroll.gg will keep you safe and efficient.
The truth? Most players end up using a mix of all of them – one to plan, one to craft, and one to double-check their mistakes.
FAQs
Will Path of Building support Path of Exile 2 at launch?
Yes! The Community Fork team has already started integrating PoE2 data structures and plans to release updates aligned with the open beta.
Are these tools free to use?
Absolutely. Every tool mentioned in this article is completely free. So use that money to get some Path of Exile 2 currency instead!
Will PoE2 have official build planning support?
Grinding Gear Games has hinted at in-game build sharing features, but third-party planners will likely remain the backbone of serious theorycrafting.
Where can I find community-tested builds?
Reddit’s r/pathofexilebuilds, PoE University Discord, and Maxroll’s upcoming PoE2 section are great starting points.
Final Thoughts
Every Path of Exile 2 player’s favorite part of the game is the leveling system and how intricate it is. So, it’s a shame it’s also the wall most new players hit when they try the game for the first time. It’s good to know that the community is set on helping new potential fans with the onboarding process to this extent. Soon, you might see yourself helping new players in their journey through the game!
After you get the knowledge, all you need is enough Path of Exile 2 currency to gear up and become one of the most powerful warriors in all of Wraeclast!
