Starter Pokémon are often the most popular Pokémon, along with one of the hardest decisions in the game, so why not let your Chinese zodiac choose for you?

Your Chinese zodiac can tell a lot more about you than just the year you were born, it can tell you more about your personality, your flaws, and even what character you would be in your favorite show. It can also tell you what starter Pokémon would be a perfect choice.

Although you only get a choice of three, many often go for the type they like, be it water, fire or grass. However, this Pokémon will more often than not follow you throughout the game so it is vital you pick one you like! This is what makes it such a hard decision, you are faced with three adorable looking Pokémon with no idea what to pick. So, why not let the year you were born choose what Starter would be perfect for you?

12 Year Of The Rat: Charmander

1996 was both the year of the rat and the year that Pokémon graced our lives. Most born in 1996 have experience playing the games and most are still fans to this day. That being said, it would be wrong to not assume that these fans love the nostalgia and are therefore perfect for a 1st gen starter.

Just like those born in the year of the rat, Charmander is smart and hardworking, but cheeky when it wants to be, allowing for endless fun with this Pokémon at your side.

11 Year Of The Ox: Bulbasaur

The personality traits that come with this year are calm, loyal, but rather down to earth. When you think of a Pokémon that fits this description, Bulbasaur is one of the only ones that make sense.

Still a fan favorite and still within that ’90s kid’ stage, many love Bulbasaur and insist that it is one of the best.

10 Year Of The Tiger: Litten

This 7th generation Pokémon may come as a shock since most born in the year of the tiger who play Pokémon were born in 1998 and therefore most likely grew up with the 1st and 2nd gen as their introduction to the franchise.

However, when looking at Litten, it is easy to see the resemblance to a tiger. Both those born in the year of the tiger and Litten are lively, impulsive, and passionate, proving that Litten is a cute and interesting choice.

9 Year Of The Rabbit: Squirtle

Whilst a rabbit is typically known for being at home in grass and therefore suggesting that it should be a grass-type Pokémon, the personality traits that come with being born in this year match with Squirtle perfectly.

Firstly, this is the last year in which you would call yourself ‘a 90s kid’ so it is likely that you would prefer a classic Pokémon. That or you became a fan of Pokémon in 2010 through your parents or older siblings, so they would definitely be fans of the 1st generation. Ultimately, both are kind and excitable whilst still being rather possessive about their friends and things.

8 Year Of The Dragon: Totodile

Alright, this Pokémon is hardly a dragon, but it’s the closest to it without it being Charmander!

Nevertheless, this gen 2 Pokémon is just as classic and equally as loving, kind, and cute. Both those born in this year and Totodile are passionate and confident whilst sometimes being rather arrogant.

7 Year Of The Snake: Snivy

The name Snivy strikes a slight resemblance to the word conniving which implies a manipulative and controlling streak. However, it isn’t just the name that highlights this, but its look too.

Just like those born in the year of the snake, they are often seen as rather manipulative but insightful and proud. The way Snivy holds himself and acts implies that this match is a perfect one.

6 Year Of The Horse: Chikorita

Those born in the year of the horse are cheerful, enduring, and independent. If that doesn’t describe the adorable Chikorita then nothing does. This starter Pokémon is one of the cutest and most popular in gen 2.

The two share almost every personality trait there is and it is undeniable that this match is perfect.

5 Year Of The Goat: Oshawott

The two main personality traits that come with being born in this year are popular and possessive. Two things that Oshawott undeniably has.

First of all, if this Pokémon loses its precious shell then it is sent into a whirlwind of panic and anger as it searches, highlighting how possessive this one can be. It is also one of the most popular choices in gen 5.

4 Year Of The Monkey: Chimchar

This needs little explanation other than the fact that Chimchar is a monkey.

Nevertheless, both those born in the year of the monkey and Chimchar are cheeky, excitable, and versatile whilst also being rather sly. Both know what they want and strive to achieve in everything they do, changing and evolving to get where they want to be.

3 Year Of The Rooster: Rowlet

Rowlet is as close to a rooster as you can get, even if he is an Owl and therefore completely different.

It isn’t the breed of Pokémon that suggests this is a perfect match but the personality similarities. Perhaps the most prevalent is that both are well-known perfectionists. This is suggested through Rowlet’s often well placed and sophisticated little bow tie that it wears. It forces fans to think of this owl as sophisticated and quite the perfectionist.

2 Year Of The Dog: Turtwig

If you were born in the year of the dog then you are most likely loyal and persistent when it comes to getting what you want in life. However, because of how persistent you are, you can often be perceived as rather stubborn.

This is the same as Turtwig. Although it evolves into Torterra (who is particularly docile and stubborn) it remains loyal throughout and will always try its best.

1 Year Of The Pig: Tepig

Again, not much needs to be said about why this is a perfect choice. However, this cute little pig is worth much more than its name.

Both those born in this year and this starter Pokémon are rather patient and particularly sincere, however, this sincerity can often be mistaken for naivety. Tepig can be mistaken for being cute and harmless but can pack a bit of a punch at the start of the game.

NEXT: Pokémon: Which Fire-Type You Are Based On Your Zodiac