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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it additionally deals harm to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure 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 “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, 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 certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.