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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — 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 can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, 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’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character as fun and innovative 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 Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.