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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous 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.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts damage to enemies along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. Despite any issues 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 absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.