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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a character and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, 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 other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, 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 higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks 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 is not just for travel; it also inflicts harm to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving 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 there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.