How to Change FOV in CS2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Field of view is a game-changer for any online shooter, as it defines how much of the map you can spot at a glance. A wider FOV lets you pick up on action faster and react more quickly. That said, it’s not some magical tweak to blow away your opponents — just a handy adjustment to dial in your setup. At the same time, it will be useful to learn about the best CS2 resolution to choose the best visibility for yourself.

In CS2, the default FOV is locked, and messing with it directly isn't possible without risking a VAC ban. However, you can still tinker with the FOV for your player model, affecting how your weapons and hands show up on-screen. In general, people prefer a setup that leaves their view as clear-cut as possible.

So, let’s dive into it and see just how easy it is to change the field of view in CS2.

Changing FOV in the Settings

If you’re after the easiest option with the minimal effort required, stick to the quick guide below. You will not need to use the CS2 console for this one:

• Open the game settings.
• Head over to the “Game” section.
• Go to the “Item” subsection.

• Adjust the “Viewmodel Position.”

  Here, it lets you choose between two options: Desktop or Classic. Desktop positions the weapon in the center of your screen, opening up the sides. Classic moves the weapon to the left or right corner (depending on the Preferred Viewmodel Handedness), clearing out the center.

• Play around with both options in practice mode to see which one works best for you.

Changing FOV with the Command Console

Want to dig deeper into customization? It's also possible to experiment with changing CS2 FOV through console commands. This option is perfect for anyone who wants to get a custom field of view. If you are one of the old-school CS 1.6 players, this part might bring back memories. And for the rest of you, to access the console, you’ll need to press the ‘~’ button, located below ‘Esc’ or left to ‘1’ on the keyboard.

However, you may be unable to use the CS2 FOV command if you haven’t activated the developer console:

• Go to the ‘Settings’ button on the left side of the main menu.
• Select the ‘Game’ settings tab at the top of the screen.
• Switch on ‘Enable Developer Console (~)’ and change this parameter to ‘YES.’

Now, you are free to change FOV settings in CS2 through the console, either before the round is launched or even during play. So, how to set up the CS2 FOV command? It can be done by opening the console and typing in the command viewmodel_fov #, finalizing it by pressing ‘Enter’ for activation:

To find the best FOV settings for you, simply insert a number between 60 and 68 instead of the ‘#’. We have used 60 in the example above.

By the way, this command also supports float numbers (e.g., 61.52334), letting you fine-tune the settings. This allows you to adjust it precisely to your needs. The lower number gives a slightly deeper view of the model, having the effect of a smaller FOV — a weapon looks closer to the player's model. If you don’t know how to adjust the field of view CS2 command to meet your specific needs, you’re welcome to get acquainted with the tips provided below.

Tips for Optimal FOV Settings

Although now you know the basics of how to set FOV in CS2, keep in mind that it’s all about the player’s model visualization for the gamer itself. This means that switching from 60 to 68 won’t blow up your advantage — it’s mostly about visuals.’ In reality, a higher FOV stretches the arms more, but the battlefield frame stays put.

If you’re aiming to step up your game, mimicking the CS2 pro settings favored by top players can be an excellent starting point.

That said, tweaking the viewmodel remains a great option for most players, as it allows for some handy customization. This is why many will explore how to change FOV in CS2 using this method. Let’s dive into it with the following screenshot:

That’s a pretty common scenario where a player is lining up a shot on an opponent outside connector from a catwalk on ‘Mirage’ with a FOV parameter at 68. A seasoned player can tell that the M4A1-S’s barrel gets in the way, blocking the view of the space near the bench (below the A mark on the wall). This area is a prime spot for scoping out both the short and catwalk for lurking opponents.

Now, let’s switch it up and check out the same situation with the FOV parameter set to 60:

In this case, a player gets a better look at a potentially dangerous zone, giving them a slight edge. This example highlights how the field of view in Counter-Strike behaves differently from other games. Players should stop chasing ways to change FOV in Counter-Strike 2 as if it were some kind of legal cheat.

Of course, when you’re charging toward B through the catwalk and short, you’re not likely to camp out in this position and miss an opponent near the bench. And let’s not even get started on the smoke or flash grenades flying around, which mess up the overall battlefield visibility much more than FOV settings ever could. Still, in certain in-game scenarios, the minimal FOV parameter might come in clutch as the best choice for a player.

Here are the different FOV settings for you to compare:

As you can see, it's tricky to notice the difference even when comparing similar screenshots. Still, it’s worth playing around with different values between 60 and 68 to figure out what suits your gameplay style. Try jumping into casual games or practicing with bots to make sure the new settings don’t throw off your performance.

While there is no safe way to adjust the actual FOV of the game without risking being banned, you can switch things up by changing your aspect ratio from normal (4:3) to widescreen (16:9/16:10 or another format). The 4:3 ratio has been hyped up by the pros and streamers for its stretched visuals, which are said to improve performance. However, many players overlook the fact that you lose a chunk of your screen, making your FOV smaller as a consequence. There’s a famous example from the CS:GO Paris major where Zywoo couldn’t spot an enemy because of the 4:3 aspect ratio.

In other words, the wider the resolution, the larger the FOV. But keep in mind that such tweaks will pile on the pressure for your PC. If you are still clinging to an older setup, this might make or break your ability to play comfortably.

Mastering the CS2 console commands can put you ahead of the curve by letting you adjust your gaming experience on the fly.

Conclusion

Newcomers to Counter-Strike 2 may blow the importance of FOV settings out of proportion. In fact, the only change that comes with dragging numbers from 60 to 68 is how stretched your arms appear on the screen.

Interestingly, in some situations, a wider FOV can actually get in the way, such as with one-way smokes or specific map angles. In this regard, it’s vital to nail down how to change CS2 FOV effectively and understand its real impact, avoiding unnecessary risks or accusations of cheating.

Finally, don’t forget to fine-tune your CS2 HUD settings. A clean HUD ensures it doesn’t cut into your view of the action, keeping you focused on the enemy.