Hi, does anyone know what the three different FOV variables are used for in Skyrim.ini. They are: fDefaultFOV, fDefault1stPersonFOV, and fDefaultWorldFOV.

What I would like is to change the FOV of my in-game hands so they don't look so stretch forward. Which variable controls that?

Thanks

For that, you'll probably want fDefault1stPersonFOV.
Try changing that back to default (65, iirc) and see what happens.

Hmm, it didn't work. fDefaultWorldFOV is set to 90. The other two are set to 65.

I set them all 3 to desired value then in game change fov via console to same value and it will stick forever. Cannot figure when these ini vars are used but seems like certain triggers exist but it is not as simple as changing from 1st to 3rd person view.

Sounds like you are referring to the viewmodel fov, or 'fDefault1stPersonFOV'

This parameter independently sets the field of view for the model representing your arms, hands and weapon.

The console command 'FOV=90' will set all three FOV variables to 90, but you will find that the values will soon reset to their default values stored in Skyrim.ini (my games).

To change the viewmodel fov permanently, you must first write the desired value into skyrim.ini (in my games) next to fDefault1stPersonFOV.

Next, load a save then enter the map via the tab menu (not using the 'm' key shortcut). Exit the map, and you should find that the viewmodel FOV will have changed to the value stored in skyrim.ini. Save the game, the change will be pretty much permanent.

If it ever reverts you can use the FOV= console command to set the global fov to your desired setting, the next time you load a save you should find all your FOV values will return to your customized defaults.

You want all three...

Default is what it says... default value when no other balue is present in the game. (Not sure where a value is not present, but it is apparently there because there MAY be a place somewhere...

The other two are what they say they are... World = outside in the world. (1st/3rd) and 1st is specifically for 1st person, as you may not want as wide a view, or a view that is wide. (Not sure how well the game uses it.)

As you SPRINT, or are HIT, or bow-ZOOM, or other effects happen... The FOV changes. Then has to change back to the default, or other view. It is easier to code, if you just say DEFAULT + 20 to zoom, as opposed to saying FOV 45 then FOV 60 to return.

Default may alslo be specific to the MENU, when paused, and the screen is still rendering the 3D items, and the loading screens. (Where the other two settings will not have an effect.)

NOTE: I have to put the three values in BOTH files, to get them to stick on my games. In the "skyrim.ini" and in "skyrimprefs.ini" (Menu or map-flipping will break it, in my game, if I do not have them in both files.)

fDefaultFOV: this is for camera views like the lockpicking mini game and viewing items in your inventory.
fDefault1stPersonFOV: first person perspective.
fDefaultWorldFOV: third person perspective.

Set all of these to your desired FOV, then when in-game type in "fov xx" (obviously type in your desired fov instead of xx) and you'll never have to tweak these settings again.

Edit: just add these to skyrim.ini under [Display], adding them to skyrimprefs.ini will have no effect whatsoever.

Pretty sure any FOV above default will start warping the hands you see in first-person. That's what higher FOV values do. If you look for it, even an FOV as low as 75 introduces some warping and fish-eye-ness. Some people notice more than others.

The only ones that really matter are fDefaultWorldFOV and fDefault1stPersonFOV in the [Display] section of the Skyrim.ini

Just as in Fallout 3, fDefault1stPersonFOV specifically adjusts the viewmodel / weapons / hands, while fDefaultWorldFOV is the regular game field FOV.
You can read more about it here: http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1269267-viewmodel-fov/

http://cloud.steampowered.com/ugc/632982837656665216/9369D127F840EFCD24A3A52ED238FB72DF7DAC20/

The odd thing is the .ini changes will not be immediately apparent when loading a save that was set to different fov values (like the default). To get your new .ini settings to take effect you'll have to initiate them in game - Easiest way to do this that I've found is going to the character menu (Tab by default) and clicking on the map. Once you back out, the fovs will be as you've set them in the Skyrim.ini and saving the game will keep them permanently. If you ever change them in the .ini you can trigger those changes the same way. Using the console fov command will actually override your chosen .ini settings for the session, which may revert the viewmodel or world fov to 70 after certain triggers, until you reload the game. Using the console fov command is still useful in comparing and testing different fovs, but it also ties both the world and viewmodel fovs together, while the .ini lets you adjust them independently.