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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va had the benefit 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 two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage 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 isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.