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For a long time, 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 seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a character and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, 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 seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: 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. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including 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 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 additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson 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 superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, 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.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.