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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender 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 also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; 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 you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky 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 certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character 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.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.