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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. 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 healers. 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 strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. 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 the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying 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 top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.