PoB Redux

PoB Redux is a desktop build planner for Path of Exile 1 and 2. It is best for players who want detailed build calculations and a shared workflow with Path of Building. Its planning and import tools are substantial for a free app, but it is desktop-only and its optimization suggestions need verification.

Overview

PoB Redux uses Path of Building Community’s calculation engine, including its calculations, tooltips and breakdowns. It also reads and writes the same Documents build folders as Path of Building, so players can work with the same files in either app. That makes it a natural option for existing Path of Building users; players looking for a planner across a wider range of games should look elsewhere.

Key features

Planning and optimization

The app includes skill-tree planning, equipment and loadouts for both games. Optimize reviews a build, proposes fixes, designs rare items from the real mod pool and ranks passive nodes by gains per point. These tools can help focus build decisions, but the search is best effort, so check suggestions rather than treating them as definitive.

Imports and assistant tools

PoB Redux imports share codes, PoB XML and links from pobb.in, pob.codes, Maxroll, Mobalytics, poe.ninja, poe2db, poedb, Pastebin and Rentry. The optional assistant can answer questions about the open build and make changes; Path of Exile 1 support is in beta. It can run through Claude, ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Grok, Kimi, OpenCode, Gemini, Antigravity or Ollama, giving users several ways to use assistant features without making them central to the planner.

An optional MCP server lets Claude Code, Claude Desktop or Cursor read and edit the open build. It is off until enabled, listens on localhost and requires a token. Those safeguards and the opt-in setup make it an optional workflow for users who want external tools to work with a build, not a requirement for ordinary planning.

Languages

The interface supports English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Thai, a useful range for players who prefer not to plan in English.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes the desktop app. PoB Redux is free and open source under the MIT licence, with no account, key or sign-up required. There is no free trial because there is no paid plan to trial. The assistant is optional and runs through a supported plan or Ollama, so its use depends on the chosen integration rather than changing the app’s free desktop access.

This is a straightforward fit for players who want a no-cost planner and do not need a mobile version. There are no lower paid tiers to trade features against; the practical constraints are the desktop-only format and the need to verify Optimize recommendations.

Platforms

PoB Redux runs on Windows, Linux and macOS, but the macOS version requires Apple Silicon and macOS 11 or later. There is no mobile app. Players on Intel Macs or those who want to plan on a phone or tablet will need another option. The interface’s language choices span nine languages. Support is offered through Discord, GitHub, bug reporting and Ko-fi.

Who it's for

Choose PoB Redux if you play Path of Exile 1 or 2 and want build calculations, imports, and planning tools in a desktop app that shares files with Path of Building. It particularly suits players comfortable checking optimization output and, if desired, configuring an assistant or MCP workflow. It is not the right choice for mobile planning, Intel Macs, or people seeking a general game-build planner.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Path of Building Community calculations and shared Documents folders support continuity for players already using that tool.
• Pros: Imports cover common build formats and a broad set of build-sharing and reference sites.
• Pros: Free, open-source access requires no account, key or sign-up.
• Cons: Optimize uses best-effort search, so its suggested fixes and rankings need checking.
• Cons: There is no mobile app, and macOS support is limited to Apple Silicon running macOS 11 or later.
• Cons: Path of Exile 1 assistant support remains in beta.

Alternatives

Game Build Planners is the broader category directory for comparing options. Pick D4Planner instead if you need an Android, iOS or web option; it is free and ad-supported. Choose GW2Skills for its web build editor and API-based platform. Last Epoch Building is a free web and Windows alternative with no account, advertising or analytics. Last Epoch Tools is a free web fan site with tools and content. Consider TLI Builder for browser access or a Windows desktop app; its application is MIT-licensed, while game data has separate licensing terms. Arrow to the Build is a free, open-source Windows 10/11 alternative. Elden Ring Build Planner is a free browser-based planner with no account or download. LoadoutDB is a free public reference site with no accounts or subscriptions.

Verdict

PoB Redux is a strong fit for Path of Exile players who want serious build planning and calculations without paying or abandoning shared Path of Building files. Its range of imports and optional assistant tools add useful flexibility. Look elsewhere if you need mobile access, use an Intel Mac, or want to rely on Optimize without checking its suggestions.