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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it also inflicts damage to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.