With 66 Dark-type Pokémon to choose from, it can often be extremely difficult to pick the one suited to you. So why not use the year you were born to find out which one would make a perfect companion?

There are just so many awesome dark-types to choose from that you often find yourself just accepting the ones you catch and picking the most powerful. This isn’t always the best way to go since your gameplay can change so much depending on your Pokémon. So why not use your Chinese zodiac to tell what companion would be perfect for you.

Your Chinese zodiac can tell more about you thank just the year you were born. It explores your personality, your goals, and how you go about achieving them. It can also tell you what character you would be in your favorite TV show, or what Dark-type Pokémon you should choose.

12 Year Of The Rat: Umbreon

The year of the rat is also the year that Pokémon originally came out (1998). So this Pokémon has to be derived from a classic. However, it isn’t just the popularity that makes this a great choice.

Both those born in the year of the rat and Umbreon are hard workers, smart, and often successful. They try their best in anything they do and is the prime reason as to why Umbreon is perfect for you. It will aid you in any battle to partake in.

11 Year Of The Ox: Absol

Just how you would expect an ox to be, those born in this year are calm and loyal whilst also being particularly stubborn. They need a Pokémon who is just as calm and loyal as them, whilst also packing a punch.

This job is perfect for a beautiful Pokémon like Absol who is considerably calmer than the rest of the Dark-type Pokémon. It is also particularly stubborn when it wants to be but will ultimately pride loyalty over anything else.

10 Year Of The Tiger: Obstagoon

Although not at all tiger-like, Obstagoon has most of the personality traits that can come with being born in this year.

Both Obstagoon and those born in the year of the tiger are often rather impulsive and can be hot-headed. However, they can be passionate and lively so they need a Pokémon who can keep up with this. That’s why Obstagoon is perfect as he will keep up with it and still help you out in battle.

9 Year Of The Rabbit: Cacturne

As a polar opposite to the year of the tiger, those born in this year are kind and wise, but often rather docile. This is the same as Cacturne.

When capturing Cacturne, the description in the Pokédex states that it doesn’t move in the day and is therefore particularly docile. The two are so similar it would be impossible to not place them together.

8 Year Of The Dragon: Yveltal

The year of the dragon is all about confidence and passion. However, they can also be pretty arrogant and hot-headed so they need a Pokémon to deal with all of that drama.

Yveltal is the most dragon looking Dark-type Pokémon you can get so is already perfect, but with that temper and the confidence of a legendary, this match is simple.

7 Year Of The Snake: Shiftry

Snakes and the word shifty make sense already. Especially since those born in the year of the snake often get a lot of slack and negative connotations. They are seen as being rather sly and distrustful whilst also being insightful and subtle about the things they love.

When it comes to Shiftry, it uses its mindreading powers to get the drop on people and is often seen as being particularly wicked and rude. However, if you were born in the year of the snake then you would easily see through that facade and grow to love this companion.

6 Year Of The Horse: Morpeko

Morpeko is perhaps the cutest Dark-type Pokémon in the game, just make sure it gets fed.

Just like those born in the year of the horse, Morpeko is often cheerful, independent and just a joy to be around. However, both are pretty impatient and will put you on their bad side if you disrespect them, or in Morpeko’s case, if you don’t feed it.

5 Year Of The Goat: Meowth

Those born in the year of the goat are usually pretty popular and sociable but can also be seen as ungrateful and insecure about who they are.

Perhaps the most famous Dark-type Pokémon, Meowth is already a perfect match. If the anime is anything to go by, this match was made in heaven as you can make sure Meowth doesn’t have any affiliations with Team Rocket.

4 Year Of The Monkey: Thievul

Most see monkeys as being cheeky and unpredictable, therefore being rather chaotic. However, this just isn’t true. If you were born in the year of the monkey then you are less unpredictable and more sly and deceptive, but also pretty resourceful and versatile in how you act.

This is the same as Thievul who resembles a fox. This Pokémon is respectful and sly when it comes to marking a target it places a scent on it so it can track and stalk its prey. This is just the same as those born in the year of the monkey, who love the chase.

3 Year Of The Rooster: Scrafty

Scrafty and the people born in the year of the rooster are both perfectionists. They are resilient but can also come across as rather blunt and aggressive when they don’t get their way.

This is why Scrafty is so perfect! It will be loyal and kind to everyone it meets, keeping order where it can, but when you need it to, it can cause some serious damage on the battlefield.

2 Year Of The Dog: Houndoom

When it comes to the year of the dog there are two choices, Poochyena or Houndoom. Whilst both look like dogs, Houndoom is the one that shares the personality traits and loyalty.

Those born in the year of the dog pride loyalty and persistence over anything else and that is exactly what Houndoom will give you. It will be rather stubborn when needs be but will ultimately do its best for you as you would for everyone around you.

1 Year Of The Pig: Sandile

The people born in the year of the pig are kind, sincere, and patient. However, they can also be hugely underestimated for this with people often thinking them naive or gullible.

This is a common misconception for Sandile too who is seen as cute and adorable when in fact it can pack a huge punch in battle and is deadly once evolved. Both are patient and kind but if you get on their bad side then they will destroy you with ease.

NEXT: Pokémon: Which Kanto Gym Leader You Are Based On Your Chinese Zodiac