#Guides
18.09.2025
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How to Change FOV in CS2: Best Settings for Visibility & Performance

For a great experience while playing first-person shooters, such as CS2, you need to set everything for your preferences and playstyle: sensitivity, frame rate, and even crosshair. One more thing, which is crucial, is your FOV, or Field of View. With the proper visibility, you will see more and, more importantly, you will have a higher chance to defeat an opponent.

So, how to change FOV in CS2? What settings should you know about? Are there any differences between them? We already know the answers and are ready to share them with you below!

Understanding FOV and Viewmodel in CS2

What is CS2 FOV? As we already mentioned, it is your Field of View, which, in other words, means how many things you see on your screen at one time. The correct FOV setting can significantly affect your gameplay in CS2.

  • For example, a higher FOV gives you a broader perspective, which allows you to have larger visibility. On the one hand, objects in the distance will appear smaller. Still, it could help you to notice an opponent earlier and take a slight advantage.
  • A lower FOV narrows your perspective. As a result, you have reduced visibility, but the objects on your screen are larger. It could help aim more accurately at an opponent.

One more essential setting is your Viewmodel. That function controls the position and size of your weapon and hands on the screen and does not affect the perspective of the game world. With the right Viewmodel, you can increase your visibility. Even pro players explore all settings to find the best Viewmodel, which directly affects their gameplay in CS2 and gives them the clearest possible view of the game world’s action.

How to Enable the Console & Access FOV Settings

So, we know the basics, and now we should go to the actions. The first step to create your best settings in CS2 is to enable the console and access FOV settings. Use our short instructions for that:

  1. Start CS2 on your PC.
  2. Open the in-game settings menu.
  3. Tap on the “Game” tab.
  4. Find “Enable Developer Console (~)” and choose “Yes”.

Now, you can go back to the main window of the game. The only thing you need to change your FOV in CS2 is to open your in-game console by tapping on the “~” (tilda key) and using a command.

Console Commands You Need

Now, we can check how to change FOV in CS2 and what console commands you need for that.

The central CS2 FOV command you should know is “viewmodel fov x” with a range for “x” from 54 to 68. This command affects the distance to your gun and hands. For example, “viewmodel fov 54” zooms your visibility, making objects closer on your screen. With that setting, you will see only a part of your gun and no hands. The command “viewmodel fov 68” shows you a broader perspective. The objects are farther away, but you can see more at one time.

The next commands move your weapon to different angles, which gives you more visible space on the screen at one time:

  • viewmodel_offset_x

The range for “x” is from -2.5 to 2.5. This command moves your weapon further to the right (e.g., viewmodel_offset_x 2.5), or closer to the center (e.g., viewmodel_offset_x -2.5).

  • viewmodel_offset_y

The range for “y” is from -2 to 2. By using that command, you can move your weapon closer (e.g., viewmodel_offset_y -2) or further away from you (e.g., viewmodel_offset_y 2).

  • viewmodel_offset_z

The range for “z” is from -2 to 2. This command shows your weapon higher (e.g., viewmodel_offset_z 2) or lower (e.g., viewmodel_offset_z -2) on your screen.

Also, you can change your CS2 FOV by using a preset mod with the viewmodel_presetpos command:

  • viewmodel_presetpos 1 — Desktop Preset

That command in CS2 is known as default FOV, as it moves your weapon to the center at the bottom of your screen, which creates balanced visibility.

  • viewmodel_presetpos 2 — Couch Preset

It’s perfect to use that command when you are sitting farther away from your screen. As a result, the weapon and hands will be closer to you.

  • viewmodel_presetpos 3 — Classic Preset

This command offers the exact position of the weapon and hands as in previous Counter-Strike versions.

One more point about discussing the play in CS2 and how to change FOV is to use more settings. Still, you should know that you can use the following commands only in private or offline matches. First, open the developer console to use the “sv_cheats 1” command. Now, you can use the “fov_cs_debug x” command:

  • fov_cs_debug 120

This command provides you with wider visibility, allowing you to see more objects on your screen at one time.

  • fov_cs_debug 50

By using this FOV command in CS2, you can zoom in on your view. Still, the perspective will be narrower, which means you could see many fewer objects on the screen at one time.

Pro & Recommended Settings by Playstyle

The great experience in CS2 and understanding of how to change FOV to make it perfect are the basis for even professional players. And, usually, pros, such as s1mple or donk, use the maximum FOV to see as many objects as possible on their screen at one time.

Here, you can see their FOV settings:

  • viewmodel_fov 68
  • viewmodel_offset_x 2.5
  • viewmodel_offset_y 0
  • viewmodel_offset_z -1.5

One more example of high-level players you can see below:

  • viewmodel_fov 68
  • viewmodel_offset_x 2
  • viewmodel_offset_y 2
  • viewmodel_offset_z -2

Remember that pro players have a lot of experience in Counter-Strike. They spend hours maximizing their aim and reaction to show great results. Find your own FOV settings, which suit you best.

Testing & Fine-Tuning Your Own Setup

Of course, no configuration is complete without training. To test your FOV settings, you can use a private or offline match. Additionally, a third-party platform could be a helpful tool, allowing you to check all settings (e.g., against bots) without necessarily showing good performance.

Lastly, you can find a Viewmodel generator CS2 in the Steam Workshop, whose primary goal is to help each user test their FOV.

Common Mistakes & Tips

The most common mistake is the thought that the highest or the lowest FOV will instantly boost your experience. Each of these settings has pros and cons. And the only way to find the best visibility is through your own test. If you want great results, you should spend time exploring it and seeing the configuration that suits your needs and playstyle.

Also, don’t forget about your screen resolution, since it does not play the last role in the FOV settings. Everything will work well in combination, but not solo.

To Sum Up

As you can see, mastering your CS2 FOV can significantly improve the gaming experience. Now, after you learn how to change FOV in CS2, you have a chance to see more objects at one time, or rather, zoom in on the view to get a better aim. No matter which setting suits you better, the most important thing is the result and winning matches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings, as it directly affects your play.

Also, remember to explore other materials on our blog. Here, you will find more useful guides, the latest eSports news, and lists of the top skins for any weapon type. Stay tuned and win as a pro!

FAQ 

How do I change FOV in CS2?

To change FOV in CS2, you need to open the console by using the tilde key (~), and use the command “viewmodel_fov x” (with a range for “x” from 54 to 68). The higher a number (e.g., “viewmodel_fov 68”), the farther your weapon and more screen space is visible. The lower the number (e.g., “viewmodel_fov 54”), the closer your weapon.

What is the difference between viewmodel_fov and camera FOV?

The command “viewmodel_fov x” helps you to customize your FOV in much more detail than using preset mods such as Desktop, Classic, and Couch.

What is the best viewmodel_fov value for visibility?

The best viewmodel_fov value for visibility is 68 (e.g., viewmodel_fov 68), because that command moves your weapon farther away.

How can I reset the CS2 viewmodel to default?

To reset the CS2 viewmodel to default, open the console and use the command “viewmodel_presetpos 1”, which will reset it to the standard “Desktop” preset.

What do viewmodel_offset_x / y / z do?

The command “viewmodel_offset_x” (the range from -2.5 to 2.5) moves your weapon closer to the center (with a low value, e.g., -2.5) or further to the right (with a high value, e.g., 2.5). The command “viewmodel_offset_y” (the range from -2 to 2) moves your weapon closer to you (e.g., -2) or further away (e.g., 2). The command “viewmodel_offset_z” (the range from -2 to 2) moves your weapon lower (e.g., -2) or higher (e.g., 2).

Will high viewmodel_fov affect accuracy?

No, high viewmodel_fov doesn’t affect accuracy directly. It’s instead your preference in visual perception and available screen space, which could affect your view and give you a little more time to react.