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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a character and an skill 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 would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and measured speech. But 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. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: 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 makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement 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 having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

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

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems 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 certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.