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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart 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 a set distance. 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. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: 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 that’s never really the case.

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

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be 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 shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.