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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — including 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 this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. 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 top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.