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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat 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 isn't solely for movility; it also inflicts damage to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path 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 bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, 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, 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, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.