A friend’s field-of-view setting can look different on your monitor even when you enter the same number. The number needs an axis and a screen shape before it fully describes the view.
For example, Unity’s Camera fieldOfView documentation defines that property as a vertical angle, with horizontal coverage depending on the viewport’s aspect ratio. That is an engine example, not a promise that every game’s settings menu uses the same convention.
Check what the slider measures
Look in the game’s help or official documentation for vertical FOV, horizontal FOV or a reference aspect ratio. Some games also treat aiming, cutscenes and different camera modes separately. A screenshot taken while aiming may not represent the ordinary movement camera.
Keep resolution and display mode consistent while comparing settings. A stretched image, letterboxing or a changed viewport can make it difficult to tell what the FOV control itself changed.
Compare a familiar scene
Stand in a safe, repeatable location in the game and note which objects appear at the edges. Change one setting, then return to the same viewpoint. Also notice whether nearby shapes look more distorted and whether distant targets feel smaller.
There is no universal competitive number that also guarantees comfort. Try a comfortable range in short sessions and stop if the view causes discomfort. Monitor distance, camera motion and individual preference all affect the experience.
When sharing a recommendation, include the game, camera mode, aspect ratio and the setting’s stated convention. “This works for me on this setup” is more useful than a bare number.
A wider view can reveal more of the scene, but understanding how the camera creates it is the first step towards a setting you can compare fairly.