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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

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 veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters 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 makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards 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 your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes 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 multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, 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 years. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.