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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, 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 makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also 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 dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — 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 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 additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes 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 multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.