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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 few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, 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) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters 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 may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for movility; it also inflicts damage to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.