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Over many years, I was not a fan 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. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: 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 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 quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: 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 additionally deals damage to foes 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 a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.