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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers 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 strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – 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 foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as 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 present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think 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, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.