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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, 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 seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase 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 head around obstacles like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — 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 can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it also inflicts damage to enemies 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, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. 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 Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust 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. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.