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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier 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. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, 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 quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, 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 24 meters. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies 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 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, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character 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 absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.