Finding 5 Digit TID/SID

This tutorial provides a range of methods for how you can find your 5 digit TID/SID combination in Sword/Shield. Knowing these values is necessary if you wish to RNG abuse shiny Pokémon from overworld encounters.

Possible Methods

It is not possible to RNG abuse your TID or SID in Sword/Shield. This tutorial is only for finding your internal TID/SID on an existing save file. There are three possible methods you can use:

Using SysBot.NET

SysBot.NET is a bot service hosted by members of the community, typically found in Discord servers. If you do not have access to a SysBot, you can find a public server with a quick Google search.

SysBots come with dump functionality, which dumps the data of the shown Pokémon into a .pk8 file. This file is then uploaded to your Discord messages.

The file can then be manually inspected using a program like PKHeX to view your TID/SID combination. This method is recommended as it takes the least effort, but does require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Help from a Friend

If you have a friend with a CFW Switch console, you can trade with them and they can dump the Pokémon file for you. It can then be opened in PKHeX.

Finding a Shiny Pokémon

If you do not want to use anyone's CFW, it is possible to find TID/SID using entirely stock methods. This is very time-consuming as you will need to find a shiny Pokémon. The older swsh-overworld-rng-gui program can help with the calculation. However, the steps will not be covered in this guide.


Finding TID/SID using CFW

As mentioned above, by having access to a CFW Switch console we can easily find our TID/SID combination. The method will differ slightly depending on if you are using a SysBot or asking a friend to help.

Keep in mind that SysBot hosts are not constantly available. Join a public server that contains an active Sword/Shield bot, then follow the instructions given by the bot host. If you do not have a Discord account you will need to make one or ask a friend for help instead.

Using CFW - Instructions
Requirements
  • PKHeX
  • Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
  • A Discord account (for SysBot.NET)
Tutorial
  • Extract the contents of the PKHeX download into an empty folder in a known location on your PC.
  • Click Options at the top of the window, then click Settings. Change the Blank Save Version to Sword or Shield. Close this window.
  • Dump the .pk8 file of a Pokémon that was caught in the save file you wish to check the TID/SID on with a SysBot or with a friend's help.
  • Drag the file into the PKHeX window. You should now see the details on screen. Head over to the OT/Misc tab to view Trainer Information.
  • Hover over the TID field with your mouse. This will reveal the 5 digit TID/SID combination. Take note of these values, as you will need them for any RNG manipulation involving shiny Pokémon.

Figure 1 - TID/SID Lookup

tid-sid-1

In this example we can see that the TID/SID combination is 28888/10267. Save this somewhere where you will not lose it! Enter the values into the TID/SID fields on owoow.

Figure 2 - Program Entry

tid-sid-2

After entering your ID values into owoow, select your game version and Shiny Charm?/Mark Charm? checkboxes if those items are present within your save file. Upon restarting the program these details will be saved for future use.

Head back to the main page