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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. 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 runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but another feature that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — 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 having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it additionally deals harm to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. 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 a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character 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 excels in movement and interference.
• 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.