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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character 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 the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, 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 higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns 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 charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose 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 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.