Changing FOV permanently without the use of separate mods.

[Guest]

I couldn't find similar instructions here, so I decided to publish it. It will probably be useful for someone else. 🙂

 

To change the viewing angle in your game you need to perform several actions. We find the ini files of the game and make changes to them.

 

fallout4.ini

[Display]
fDefaultWorldFOV=90
fDefault1stPersonFOV=90
[Interface]
fDefaultWorldFOV=90
fDefault1stPersonFOV=90

 

fallout4prefs.ini

[Display]
fDefaultWorldFOV=90
fDefault1stPersonFOV=90

 

(If these lines are not in the required sections, they must be added).

 

For the changes to take effect. While in the game, you need to open the console (~). Enter the command "Fov 90" without parentheses. Click "Enter". Without closing console mode, enter the second command “Refreshini”, also without parentheses. Click "Enter". Close console mode. To prevent changes from being reset, you must save the game after using console commands.

 

Notes:

 

A numerical value of 90 is optimal. But it is better not to exceed values above 110. Why?! Increasing the viewing angle has an impact on rendering. Simply put, by changing the viewing angle you will most likely get a slight drop in FPS. Therefore, I personally do not recommend exceeding even values of 100.

 

Default FOV = 80.  

 

You can also try using double value when using console commands. For example, FOV 90 90. In this case, the first number will be responsible for the viewing angle of the weapon in your hands, and the second for the viewing angle of the camera.

 

The only downside to changing FOV to better display the weapon is that it will also affect the size of the Pip-Boy when interacting.* 

 

It is also better not to use the line “fDefaultFOV” in ini files. This line is responsible for the interface, regardless of which section it is present in. By setting its value to 90, we get a complete displacement of the interface frames, noticeable even on the start screen. Loading screens will also be smaller and have a black border.

 

* - There is information that if you use 80 as the first number and change only the second, then the effect on the Pip-Boy can be avoided. Although I can’t check this information directly in the game yet. Therefore, I cannot say that this advice is correct. The advice is not correct! Yes, using the console command "Fov 80 100" does not affect the pipboy, but it also does not change the display of weapons. The second number only affects the camera view (increasing viewing width).

It was the increase in the second parameter by 110 that put a significant load on the GPU. Quite a noticeable difference in temperature compared to the standard. !!! Therefore, I do not recommend changing this parameter much if you are not sure that your equipment has sufficient power. !!!

Edited February 4, 2024 by DXCinereus

[izzyknows]

Don't forget that the game projects on 1/2 a bubble. This can be seen by togging wire screen, TWS, and looking up. So the wider the FOV the more or less distortion you'll notice at the edge of your screen. Things will become shorter & fatter towards the edge.
This can also effect things like getting attacked by off screen NPC's that normally wouldn't be attacking. Adjusting the FOV effects more than just what is rendered, it also effects things that are not rendered.

 

It's a fine line.

[Guest]

izzyknows, thanks for the addition!

 

In general, I have always been satisfied with the original settings. I have never touched them and was not even interested in this question, but others have asked the question. I decided to look for information and most of what I found on the Internet was not entirely correct. Or the information was limited only to the console command without saving changes. That is, corrections had to be made every time you entered the game. As a result, I decided to publish something like instructions here. Although probably few people will be interested in this. Personally, I decided not to exceed 90 in all respects. Although for other users everything may be completely different. Some people have a huge monitor and need completely different numbers. Some people use three monitors at the same time. Therefore, it is difficult to give specific advice on any settings. Everything always requires a more individual approach.

 

Edited February 4, 2024 by DXCinereus

[izzyknows]

 Yeah, there's a lot of "early" info that is kind of correct, like several of Gophers tutorials. But hindsight is 20/20. 😜

 

Something else to note is the pecking order of the ini files.

Fallout4Custom.ini is God, it's contents overwrites Fallout4Prefs.ini and Fallout4.ini

So you really only need to put the edits in the Fallout4Custom.ini.

Or if you're not using a Fallout4Custom.ini, putting them in the Fallout4.ini or the Fallout4Perfs.ini is all that's need. Doing both is redundant.

 

Also setting all 3 to Read Only is highly advisable.

If you want to change the text color, for example, minimize the game or Windows=Tab to another desktop, remove the Read Only flag, make the changes in game and set the RO flag back. And cross your fingers it didn't pork the ini. Which is a pretty good possibility. It is Bugthesda after all. And backing up stiff should be a habit. LOL