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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, 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 the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, 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.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it additionally deals damage to enemies along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson 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 raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.