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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, 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 measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality 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 close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. 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 the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.