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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 help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier 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 measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, 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 navigate past barriers like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies 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 travel; it additionally deals harm to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.