For game players young and old, there are many tough choices to make. Especially in narrative-driven games, players are forced to make hard decisions over and over, hoping for a good outcome. Sometimes, the choice is an illusion and it's all disaster regardless. Other times, the choice can have lasting consequences, but only on that specific playthrough. And there's one difficult choice many game players struggle to make: who to pick as their starter Pokémon?
Every way of picking a favorite starter Pokémon is valid. It could be picking the cutest one, or the one that evokes the most nostalgia, or the one that has the least-ugliest evolution. Regardless, for people wondering what starter Pokémon they are, perhaps this evaluation based on Dungeons and Dragons alignments may help.
9 Lawful Good: Chespin
Chespin and its evolutionary line, all from Pokémon X & Y, actually represents a character class from traditional fantasy games: the paladin. From the bulky physique to its supportive nature in battles, the Chespin line has all the characteristics of a paladin. The logical connection here is that paladins are typically lawful good, so Chespin fits the mold. However, it goes beyond logic. When looking at Chespin, it's clear that this Pokémon is one that will protect its trainer, loyalty being the name of the game. It's kind, honest, and strong. Chespin is the perfect fit for any lawful good game player.
8 Neutral Good: Chikorita
Those who are neutral good aim to do the best possible regardless of either a moral or lawful code. In terms of raw neutral good energy, one starter that radiates this is the Chikorita line. They are protectors of their companions and strong allies, but tend to enable their partners more than being a driving force. Chikorita looks like it would operate to do the most good it could within reason. Its best natures, calm and quiet, reflect this attitude as well. If Chikorita isn't quite good enough, a number of other grass-types could also fit this mold. For players who just want to help people, Chikorita would be the perfect partner.
7 Chaotic Good: Piplup
Despite its regal appearance, the water-type Piplup line more represents the energy of chaotic good. Piplup takes action into its own hands, but those actions are towards noble ends. Piplup is depicted as a reliable partner but is still often chaotic in its decision making. Despite that, it could be argued that Froakie is a better representative of chaotic good since Greninja represents the rogue.
However, the emperor penguin shares that energy. Piplup serves the role more of a leader of a rebellion than that of a lone rogue roughing it out. For people trying to lead the charge to create change, Piplup would be the perfect partner.
6 Lawful Neutral: Charmander
Charmander and its evolutions are a noble species of Pokémon. They're strong physically and very much devoted to defending their own against evil. This is especially evident in the anime, although Ash's Charizard is an outlier for some time. Eventually, the Charizard still becomes a reliable partner who strongly follows its personal code. Charmander can't truly be considered lawful good, as its hardly a zealot of a Pokémon. It's often a force for good, but can be manipulated into doing bad things or being a bad Pokémon. For those who strongly resonate with a lawful neutral code, Charmander is an excellent partner.
5 True Neutral: Sobble
Initially, it seemed that only Snivy was a true fit for the concept of true neutrality. However, after some deliberation, it became clear that the real representative of neutrality was Sobble. Sobble is a Pokémon defined by one characteristic, never-ending sadness. It cries regardless of the situation and doesn't want to engage in combat. As it evolves, Sobble matures into a more edgy form of neutrality. Inteleon definitely looks like the kind of a person who believes in absolutely nothing. It holds no convictions, but will still follow its trainer's orders. For those who see themselves like this or just love to cry, Sobble is a perfect companion.
4 Chaotic Neutral: Treeko
Treeko and its evolutions are similar Froakie and its rogue-ish nature. However, while Greninja operates by a code, Treeko operates based on what it sees as common sense. Take the depiction of Grovyle in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky; in this game, Grovyle is depicted as a villainous rogue by some, but it's revealed he's more of an anti-hero. He values his own freedom and goals over the short-term stability of the world. Most Treeko's seem to radiate this energy as well, and while they are certainly reliable partners, it's always good to watch one's back. Then again, what D&D players even understand what chaotic neutral actually means? For those who don't care, Treeko is the most similar.
3 Lawful Evil: Fennekin
It was genuinely difficult to see any of the starters as lawful evil. Lawful evil represents a person who will act based on a code but doesn't care about the lives at stake. The rules of the world are more important than the lives in it. It's hard to define a Pokémon like that.
However, for some reason, Fennekin jumped out as having this lawful evil energy. The Fennekin line reflects that of a mage in traditional fantasy. While this doesn't immediately scream lawful evil, that's a possibility and does fit. If any start was going to be lawful evil, it would be Fennekin.
2 Neutral Evil: Snivy
This is where Snivy and its line actually landed on the alignment chart. It's true that it is possible for a fire-type to not be considered the most destructive of starters. Snivy is clearly very smug in all of its evolutions, despite losing arms. It's not quite a true centrist because it leans towards evil more than it leans towards good. Its abilities in combat make it more of a schemer, benefitting itself over others. Snivy isn't the evilest kind of Pokémon, but it certainly doesn't have the energy of goodness other Pokémon have. Those who enjoy careful planning and serving self-interests will find Snivy to be a relatable and reliable partner.
1 Chaotic Evil: Litten
What other Pokémon represents a pure desire for combat and destruction than Litten evolutionary line? Granted, this is more leaning towards Incineroar, but that's just how it shakes up. Incineroar is not one for plans or good decision-making; Incineroar is in it to smash faces together. They're a brawler more than anything else. They operate based on self-interest to never stop fighting, mugging for the camera, and beating up on anyone. Their chaos is entirely predictable and easy to deal with. For those looking to really get stupid and get crazy, Litten and Incineroar are the king-of-the-ring.