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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 none kept my attention. 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 skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, 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 close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it also inflicts harm to enemies in its path.

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 finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.