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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a hero and an skill 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 more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, 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 strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

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

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra 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. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, 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. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. 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 soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.