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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: 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 pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns 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. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – 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 harm to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.