How to change camera view in No Man’s Sky

In No Man’s Sky, players can visit faraway planets and untraveled galaxies, build bases, run settlements, or simply take in all the breath-taking views. If you’re here for the latter, you’re going to want to know how to switch camera views.

While the game is immersive, it begins from a third-person perspective, which may not appealing to players who want the first-hand experience of travelling through the stars. Luckily for those types of players, the game doesn’t force you to stay in third-person mode. You may switch between your character’s or ship’s perspectives at any time.

How to switch between third-person view and first-person view in NMS

To change the camera view in NMS, open up the in-game menu (not the settings menu). Here’s a step-by-step list of instructions for changing your camera perspective in NMS:

1. Press Down on your D-Pad (Xbox and PlayStation) or the X key (PC)
   • This will open up a settings-type menu
2. Navigate to the gear icon named “Utilities”
3. From there, select “Toggle Camera View,” which is indicated by a character portrait
4. The menu will close and your camera perspective will have switched to either third-person or first-person, depending on how you had it before

Outside of immersion, switching to a first-person view has a few benefits. In first-person mode, the view is generally considered to be better since the character won’t be in the way, and you can focus on each item you’re looking at. Some people like me, however, may experience motion sickness from a first-person view, and a third-person perspective typically prevents this from happening. If this sounds like you but you still want to play NMS in first-person mode, try adjusting your field-of-view (FOV) setting in the Camera menu under the Options menu.

With a third-person view, players have a wider FOV, and it’s rare for something to sneak up behind them. You’re exposed to everything you cannot see directly in front of you when you are in first-person view. It’s really up to you as to which perspective mode you choose, but I personally prefer third-person mode so I can see my character’s cool cape.

How to change vehicle camera view in NMS

Changing the view on your vehicles is similar to your character. You’ll once again have to open up the same settings menu to find the option to switch camera perspectives.

1. Press the X key (PC) or Down on your D-Pad (PlayStation and Xbox) to open up the settings-menu.
2. Navigate to the gear icon named Utilities
3. Select the option called “Switch [vehicle name’s] View“

This will allow you to switch between third-person and first-person piloting. For operating vehicles in NMS, we recommend staying in the third-person view—especially if you’re new to piloting. It’s much more difficult to pilot from a first-person view than a third-person one.

It’s impossible to see the entire battlefield quickly and easily in the first-person view. During a dogfight, it’s difficult to tell where shots came from, which makes it easier for your enemy to outmaneuver you. For a more realistic challenge, the first-person view is the best choice, but try and learn how to fly before jumping into the first-person view.

Players can search planets more easily in third-person view because of the wider view and can see what’s happening around them more easily. As you fly through space, you can also see the upgrades you’ve earned for your ship, making progress feel more authentic. The only downside to third person is that it’s not as immersive because it’s difficult to match piloting through the galaxy inside a starfighter cockpit.

NMS‘s FOV is best handled by switching them whenever the situation calls for it or when you prefer one view over another. The ease with which players can switch camera views is perfect for those who don’t want to choose between the two.