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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, 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 dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: 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 this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome 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 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.