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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty 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, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier 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 measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, 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. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability 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, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.