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Introduction: Changing Skyrim FOV
Please note: This article only applies if you have the PC version of "Skyrim".
Field of View (FOV) in video games determines the viewing arc, or how much you can see when you're playing. When creating a game, designers have to decide how wide to make this arc. For most FPS console games, that arc is usually around 60 degrees. This setting is determined based on the average size of the TV that gamers will use and the average distance from the TV the players will be sitting.
The player generally sits much closer to the screen when it comes to PC games. The screen is also much smaller—this default FOV tends to result in a very claustrophobic view. It can feel like you have blinders on the side of your head and, for many, this results in headaches and motion sickness.
Skyrim's default setting is 65 degrees, which is great for consoles—but not so great for PC gamers. Fortunately, it is possible to change this setting by editing the Skyrim.ini file, or by typing a command in the console. Read on to learn how.
Changing the FOV Using Skyrim.ini
To change the default FOV in Skyrim:
- Find the Skyrim.ini file in your Documents\My Games\Skyrim\ folder first
- Then, place the following line under the [Display] settings header: fDefaultWorldFOV=x.x (Where x.x is the number of degrees you'd like to set it for. For example, fDefaultWorldFOV=90.0 will set the FOV to 90 degrees. The decimal and trailing zeroes aren't required.)
- The next time you load your game, switch to the first-person view, and press the Tab key to open the Menu.
- When you close the menu, your FOV should update automatically.
This setting should persist through the opening and closing of the map, fast traveling, and sprinting as long as you don't change the FOV in the console. Changing the FOV using the console command has a tendency to revert the FOV back to its default when any of these situations occur.
Changing Skyrim FOV Using the Console
Before deciding on a particular FOV, you will probably want to try some out in-game. You can change the FOV setting in-game by using the console
- Type '~' to enter the console
- Then type FOV x (where x represents the angle you would like to view. For example, FOV 90 will change the FOV to 90 degrees.)
- When you're done, type '~' again to exit the console and save your game. The FOV should update automatically and your new setting will be saved in the save game.
Many players find that using the console command to set the FOV tends to produce very unreliable results. Opening the map, fast traveling, and sprinting, have all been known to reset the FOV back to the default. While it isn't difficult to reset, it can be annoying to have to readjust it every time you use one of these features.
For this reason, it is generally better to use the Skyrim.ini technique rather than the console technique. Pick a setting you like using the console, then exit, edit the Skyrim.ini with the preferred value, and then don't touch it. If you need to edit it, adjust the ini file instead.
FOV set to 90 degrees.
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What Is a Good FOV Setting?
The setting that works best for you is going to depend on a lot of factors, including:
- How large your monitor is
- How far away you sit from your monitor
- What your personal preferences are
Generally speaking, a number between 80 and 100 works for most people. 90 is probably the most common setting I've come across. The best way to decide is just to test various settings out in-game and see which one you like best.
You will notice some distortion at the sides of your screen when you increase the FOV. This is normal, and a small amount of distortion along the edges will not affect your enjoyment of the game. Take some time to play the game before deciding how much or how little distortion you like. Tweaking FOV is always a compromise between improving your field of vision and introducing distortion. If the distortion is too distracting, then adjust the FOV down until you are satisfied with the compromise. A small amount of distortion in an area of the screen where you ordinarily don't look is a small price to pay for increased immersion and comfort.
What Is FOV and How Does It Work?
This distortion is not a 'glitch', but a consequence of the peculiar relationship between the way we ordinarily see in 3D, and the way we view a three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface.
You may also notice that when you adjust your FOV up, objects appear smaller and further away, and when you adjust it down, they appear larger and closer. It might seem like the camera rendering the scene has changed position when it actually hasn't. Things appear to be larger or smaller based on the FOV because of the way our brains handle perspective.
The two-part video linked right below will provide a more detailed analysis of FOV and how it works in video games. The videos are really pretty interesting, and the person conducting the tutorial does an excellent job of explaining the concept in a way that anyone can understand. It's well worth watching.
Video: A Detailed Analysis of FOV in Games Part 1
Video: A Detailed Analysis of FOV in Games Part 2
Restoring the Default FOV
I don't know if there is a command that allows you to automatically restore the default, but you can set it manually to 65 the way you would set it to any other number.
If you're using the Skyrim.ini method to set it, you can try just deleting the fDefaultWorldFOV from the initialization file, reloading your game, and Tabbing to the Menu and back.
360 Degree FOV with Eyefinity
Other FOV Settings
You may come across various other FOV settings and instructions in other posts, but the method outlined above is the one that has worked best for me. If, for some reason this method isn't working, you can try:
- Add fDefault1stPersonFOV=x and fDefaultWorldFOV=x under [Display] to the Skyrim.ini in Documents\My Games\Skyrim\ where x is the angle you'd like to use.
- Also add fdefaultfov=x under [General] to the SkyrimPrefs.ini in Documents\My Games\Skyrim\ where x is the angle you'd like to use.
- Load up your save, switch to first person, and Tab into the Menu to force it to take effect.
I'm still experimenting with FOV myself, so if I find issues with this method or a better way to change it, I'll be sure to update this. Feel free to add your own tips and suggestions in the comments.
Bartiameus on July 03, 2016:
I have tried every method I can find on the internet none of the fov tweaks are permanent everytime I go to my map it goes back to default.
Illu1000 on June 09, 2013:
Hmm....thanks for the tip, but I get a crash-to-desktop after I fast travel.
Does this method still work or is there a mod that fixed the FOV at 90?
j-u-i-c-e (author) from Waterloo, On on February 06, 2012:
@Craig Buy: It is. There are YouTube videos demonstrating it (I added one). I don't have a set up like that, though, so I recommend asking on the Eyefinity or Skyrim forums.
Craig Buy on February 06, 2012:
Is it possible to have a 360º fov using either eyefinity or multi pc setup??
j-u-i-c-e (author) from Waterloo, On on January 16, 2012:
@alex: Try this:
http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6...
There are instructions in the description that should help.
alex on January 16, 2012:
there is a way to change the view that look likes "over the shoulder" as in resident evil 4
j-u-i-c-e (author) from Waterloo, On on December 14, 2011:
@The Odd Spartan: Skyrim really is the gift that keeps on giving. Or it will be once us modders get our hands on the Creation Kit. ;)
Christopher Rago from Riverside, NJ on December 14, 2011:
Another awesome hub! I plan to get Skyrim for my PC as soon as I have the cash for some improvements. I will definitely crank the FOV up a bit before I play. Up/useful
FAQs
How do I change my FOV to 90 in Skyrim? ›
Add fdefaultfov=XX at the end of the section. (where XX is the FOV value you want to change to). For example add fdefaultfov=90.
How do I change FOV? ›- The first step depends on your platform:
- Choose Settings.
- Select the Video tab along the top of the menu.
- Under the Display section, see the slider labeled Field of View.
- Adjust the slider to your desired setting. The default is 78°. ...
- When you exit the menu, your setting will save.
85 is about ideal for Skyrim, at 90 or higher it starts to get the fish eye effect. In my ini so i get the default view model fov of 75 while the world is at 85. Originally posted by Tetsuo: 85 is about ideal for Skyrim, at 90 or higher it starts to get the fish eye effect.
Can you change FOV in Skyrim ps5? ›Skyrim's default FOV is 65 degrees, but players can select from a list of mods that increase the FOV to 85, 90, or 120 degrees.
How do I change FOV on PC? ›Start the game and press the '~' key to open the console. If you want to change FOV to 90, enter 'fov90', and if it is 120, enter 'fov120'. The game will change its FOV. But it will change back into its original FOV in a few moments.
Why is 90 FOV the default? ›When the in game FOV is diverged from this 'natural' FOV is when people get headaches/motion sickness playing games. This is why the default should be 90 on PC games and 65-70 on Console games. It has nothing to do with aesthetics and everything to do with how far away you are from the monitor, and how big it is.
Is 60 or 90 FOV better? ›Choice of field of view
Therefore, a narrow FOV of around 60 degrees is used for console games as the screen subtends a small part of the viewer's visual field, and a larger FOV of 90 to 100 degrees is usually set for PC games as the screen occupies a larger amount of the viewer's vision.
For the uninitiated, console players have a fixed FOV 80 and they can't change it at all.
What FOV do humans see? ›The human eye and field of view
Each individual eye has a horizontal FOV of about 135 degrees and a vertical FOV of just over 180 degrees. Stitching together the monocular FOV yields a binocular FOV of around 114 degrees of view horizontally. This FOV is necessary for depth perception.
You can change the FOV anywhere between 80 and 120, so you need to choose a value that is suitable for your play style. The best settings for Call Of Duty are largely dependent on your hardware. However, PC players usually prefer playing on the max FOV since it has a lot of advantages.
Is there a FOV slider for PS5? ›
This image is from the PS5 version of Warzone 2, and it shows that players can change the FOV to up 120, with 80 being the default. A helpful picture on the right gives a preview of its impact on the gameplay, as users can now see way more of the screen.
How much FOV do you get on PS5? ›Warzone 2.0 on PS5 allows for up to a 120-degree Field of View. Console players have long been relegated to a fixed FOV. But, finally, after years of demand, studios are starting to make the setting available on non-PC platforms.
Why is FOV locked on console? ›Warzone devs confirm console will not receive an FOV Slider
In a blog post, CoD's makers explained that adding an FOV Slider “creates major performance impacts for old gen console players.” As such, to avoid those issues, they “do not plan to implement an FOV Slider on console at this time.”
A FOV slider would negatively impact performance, so Activision won't do it. Activision has big plans to support Call of Duty: Warzone in the future, but unfortunately for fans, a field-of-view (FOV) slider is not going to be possible on console.
What is the max FOV on console? ›As it stands, console players are able to max out their FOV to 80, while PC players can ramp that up all the way to 120, giving them an extra 50% larger view of their surroundings. In a game like Warzone, with a quick time-to-kill especially in close quarters, this gives PC players a vast advantage.
Is FOV available on console? ›Unfortunately, the mechanic is only available to PC players. Call of Duty: Vanguard currently has a fully customizable FOV on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Warzone players do not have that same luxury.
Does Xbox get FOV? ›Warzone II will have FOV Slider on Old Gen Consoles (PS4/Xbox One) as well as Next Gen Consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X|S). According to a reliable informant, the FOV slider will be available in Warzone 2.0 on all platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Can you change FOV in Skyrim Special Edition PC? ›3: Get in the game, load your savegame, press ~ and type FOV XX. Press ~ again to close the console. Save and exit. Now load your game and the FOV will never default back."
Is 120 FOV good? ›The ideal Field of View (FOV) setting in Warzone 2 is between 100 and 120. Ultimately, the higher you set the FOV, the more you can see, which is only bound to help in-game. But expanding the FOV too wide can also make it difficult to see smaller targets in the distance.
Is 90 FOV good? ›FOV is an entirely personal preference, not something that needs to be tweaked for optimal performance. I personally prefer shooters with an FOV of 90, and that is what i adjust my FOV to in most cases where i can. It depends on preference and to an extent the game.
Does higher FOV give better FPS? ›
To make matters even better, TrueGameData has discovered that higher FOV settings on PC actually increase FPS, while lower settings greatly decrease performance.
Why do pros use high FOV? ›But in regards to FOV, playing on a high FOV essentially unlocks 'lower' sensitivities that that would otherwise be unviable to use when playing on a low FOV. High FOV lets you play on low sensitivity, without it feeling like low sensitivity. That's the magic of it!
Is higher FOV better for AIM? ›The advantages of a bigger FOV are that it's possible to see enemies that would usually be off your screen, meaning you're more likely to spot opponents before they get the first shot off on you.
Does high FOV reduce recoil? ›It's a well-known fact that having a high FOV in Warzone gives far less visual recoil, but one player has taken it to the extreme by using hacks to achieve “400 FOV” in a viral Warzone TikTok. The advantages that Warzone PC players have over the console player base have been well-documented.
Does FOV make you feel faster? ›Since FoV does not affect the rhythm by which delineator posts and other regular objects pass by, it should have a minimal effect on speed, both perceived and produced.
Do you run faster with FOV? ›While increasing the FOV doesn't make you faster, you'll clearly feel like you are moving quicker than before with a wider perspective. However, with faster movement and a decrease in visual recoil, it also punishes players, causing them to make do with a smaller target.
What is good FOV for Xbox? ›The ideal Field of View (FOV) setting in Warzone 2 is between 100 and 120. Ultimately, the higher you set the FOV, the more you can see, which is only bound to help in-game. But expanding the FOV too wide can also make it difficult to see smaller targets in the distance.
Is 110 a good FOV? ›Ultimately, having your FOV between 90-104 will put you at an advantage over those with the default or lower, as you will be able to see more on the screen and react much quicker to situations.
Does 120 FOV affect aim assist? ›However, PC players get the option of raising their FOV all the way up to 120, and a high FOV has its pros and cons. Having a high FOV shrinks targets at long range to fit more into your screen, and this makes them difficult to hit — especially when accounting for Aim Assist.
Is FOV slider coming to console? ›Console Modern Warfare 2 players will be delighted to hear that Infinity Ward have officially confirmed an FOV slider for consoles.
What is FOV at 1000 yards? ›
Binocular field of view is measured by the manufacturer in feet at 1,000 yards, meaning the width of your field of view if you were to measure it 1,000 yards away. Always refer to the field of view number, usually abbreviated to FOV, when comparing binoculars for purchase.
What animal has the highest FOV? ›Mantis shrimps probably have the most sophisticated vision in the animal kingdom. Their compound eyes move independently and they have 12 to 16 visual pigments compared to our three. They are the only animals known to be able to see circular polarised light.
What FOV dogs see? ›This binocular vision is necessary for judgment of distances. Dogs have eyes which are placed on the sides of the head, resulting in a visual field of 240 degrees compared with the human field of 200 degrees.
Does console have 80 FOV? ›On console, the field of view is locked at 80 while on PC, players can increase it all the way to 120. This provides a distinct advantage to players on PC because they can see more of their surroundings. While this current version of Warzone will likely never see an FOV Slider, it appears Warzone 2 will.
What games have FOV slider? ›| Game | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| 0 A.D. | Wildfire Games | |
| 007: Quantum of Solace | Treyarch | Activision |
| 18 Wheels of Steel: Extreme Trucker 2 | SCS Software | ValuSoft, Retroism |
| 25 to Life | Avalanche Software | Eidos Interactive, Noviy Disk |
A Field of View, or FOV, slider lets players increase how much information the game displays, allowing them to see much more of what's in front of them. While PC players can crank their FOV all the way up to 120, console players are stuck on 80 and have been crying out for a slider.
How do you get 1920x1080 in Skyrim? ›If you wish to change or view your available options, you can do by opening the Skyrim Special Edition Launcher and selecting Options. From there, you can pick from the drop-down menus to select available Aspect Ratios and Resolutions.
What resolution is 90 FOV? ›A few examples for common monitor resolutions: 90° horizontal FOV @ 1920 x 1080 = 59° vertical FOV.
How do I run Skyrim at 144? ›- Download Nvidia Inspector.
- Add the following command line to your skyrim prefs ini under DISPLAY. blockframerate=0. This will unlock the frame rate to 144 FPS or whatever your monitor is. ...
- Now read this link.
Go to the files tab, and download Complete Widescreen Fix for SkyUI 5.2 SE Alpha - 2560x1080. It doesn't matter that this says 2560x1080; it will work on any 21:9 aspect ratio. Make sure you download the one that says it's for SkyUI 5.2!
How many hours is Skyrim 100%? ›
Read More. When focusing on the main objectives, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is about 34 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 232 Hours to obtain 100% completion.
Does higher FOV give more FPS? ›To make matters even better, TrueGameData has discovered that higher FOV settings on PC actually increase FPS, while lower settings greatly decrease performance.
What is ideal FOV? ›For a controller player, anywhere between 95 and 105 is an ideal FOV. You'll get all the spatial awareness of a high FOV, but your targets won't be so shrunk that they're difficult to see and hit.
Do humans have 120 FOV? ›The human eye and field of view
Each individual eye has a horizontal FOV of about 135 degrees and a vertical FOV of just over 180 degrees. Stitching together the monocular FOV yields a binocular FOV of around 114 degrees of view horizontally. This FOV is necessary for depth perception.
Field of view (FOV) also describes the angle through which one can see that observable world. It refers to the coverage of an entire area, rather than a fixed focal point. In humans, the average field of view is about 170-180 degrees. This is often hard to accomplish through gaming or optical devices.