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Over many years, 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 seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, 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 gothic look 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 support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, 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, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles 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 charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. 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, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely 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 a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.