WoW Settings System (CVars and Console)

Use this skill when you need to explain or work with console variables (CVars) and console commands in WoW Retail.

What CVars Are

• CVars are client configuration values that affect graphics, sound, UI, and gameplay behavior.
• Many settings in the in-game Interface options map directly to CVars.
• The authoritative, up-to-date list is on the wiki. Use it instead of copying large lists.

Reference: https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Console_variables

Reading and Setting CVars

API (AddOns or scripts)

• Read: GetCVar(name) returns a string value.
• Read default: GetCVarDefault(name) returns the coded default value.
• Inspect: GetCVarInfo(name) can indicate if a CVar is secure.
• Write: SetCVar(name, value) sets a value as a string.

Example:

-- Enable UI error popups
SetCVar("scriptErrors", 1)

/console Command

• Use /console <name> <value> in chat.
• Example:

/console scriptErrors 1

Console Window

• Enable with /console enable or start the client with -console.
• Open the console window with the ` or ~ key.

Secure CVars and Combat Restrictions

• Secure CVars cannot be changed in combat.
• Secure CVars must be changed via SetCVar (not /console).
• Use GetCVarInfo to determine if a CVar is secure before changing it.

CVar Scope (Account vs Character)

• Some CVars are account-wide, others are character-specific.
• Character or account specific values may sync to the server (when synchronizeConfig is enabled).
• Changing a character specific CVar only affects the current character.

Resetting CVars

• Reset one CVar to default:

SetCVar("autoSelfCast", GetCVarDefault("autoSelfCast"))

• Console reset:

/console cvar_default autoSelfCast

• Full reset:

/console cvar_default

Note: Account or character specific CVars that are synced may persist even after reinstalling or deleting the WTF folder.

Config Files (When the Game Is Not Running)

• WTF/Config.wtf stores startup and global settings.
• WTF/Account/<AccountName>/config-cache.wtf and per-character config-cache.wtf store account or character scoped values.
• Only edit these files while the game is closed or changes will be overwritten.

Discovering CVars and Console Commands

• The wiki list is the most complete, searchable source.
• The console command list is also on the same page.
• Some console APIs expose command lists (see the API docs for C_Console).

Reference: https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Console_variables

Additional Notes

See references/CVARS-OVERVIEW.md for a short, curated set of workflow tips, pitfalls, and reset guidance.

When to Use This Skill

• You need to explain how to set or read CVars from an addon or script.
• You need to clarify CVar scope, secure restrictions, or reset behavior.
• You need guidance on console command usage or config file locations.