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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. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level 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. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it also inflicts damage to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra 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 multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences 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, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.