Field-of-view (FOV) is important in competitive games because it dictates how much you can see during the match. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players will benefit greatly, especially as it is a tactical shooter with low time to kill. However, unlike other games, CSGO does not have a straightforward process of changing FOV. If you are getting confused about the process, here is a complete guide that teaches how to change FOV in CSGO
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Benefits of Changing FOV in CSGO
View model field of view (viewmodel_FOV) increases the distance between the player model and your screen, allowing you to see a bigger area in-game. This is extremely helpful, especially in CS, because you can gather information quickly without flicking your mouse around the map.
Luckily, CSGO has flexible FOV options that you can change whenever you please. Still, the process is a bit confusing, especially for newer players who are not familiar with the console commands of the game.
Many players, including pro gamers, have different FOV settings that fit their preferences. You can try copying some of them to get the most benefit possible from this feature.
How to Change FOV in CSGO
Enable Developer Console in Settings
This is the primary tool you will use to change your FOV, so make sure you have it activated in your game. If you haven’t yet, follow these easy steps before diving into the next processes:
- Launch CSGO and immediately go to the settings menu by clicking the cogwheel button on the left side of your screen
- Go to the “Game” section of the settings
- Find the “Enable Developer Console” option, and make sure it is on “YES” to have it activated
Now that you have enabled the developer console in CS:GO, it is time to hop on a game and try several ways to change FOV in the game
Change view model FOV
The default FOV in CS: GO is 60, which is good enough for most players, but if you want to have the best advantage possible, then follow these steps:
- Make sure you have developer console enabled, then load up any map that you want to play
- Press the key that you have bound to bring it up (the default is “~”)
- Type “viewmodel_fov #” in the developer console and press enter.
The number (#) after viewmodel_fov represents how high or low your FOV will be. You can input any number between 54 and 67. The view model of your character will be closer to your screen the lower the number of your FOV.
It will fall on your preference whether you like a low or high FOV, but if you can’t choose a specific number, check out the settings that the best CS: GO pros use in-game.
Change your actual FOV with debug FOV
The actual FOV of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is locked at 90, and there is no other way to change that. But, you can change it by using cheats in the developer console. Remember that this would not work on official matches. Use the viewmodel_FOV command instead to change the FOV. Follow these commands to change the actual FOV of the game:
- Hop on to a server that you want to play on
- Open the developer console by pressing the key that you bound it with (the default is “~”)
- Type sv_cheats 1, then press enter
- Then type fov_cs_debug #, and press enter again
You can type in any number after “fov_cs_debug”. Try larger numbers to have a zoom-out effect and smaller numbers to make it seem like the game is zoomed in. Remember this command will not work on official matches, so it is only great for taking screenshots or videos in-game.
Is Changing FOV Bannable?
Fortunately, changing FOV in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is not bannable. As mentioned previously, even the best players change their viewmodel_FOV from time to time to get the best advantage possible. You do not have to worry about VAC bans because there has been no incident where using these commands gets anyone banned.
Experiment with the viewmodel_FOV command and stay with the number you think is the best looking and most advantageous.
