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Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch 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 dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: 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 letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters 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 makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

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

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. 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’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.