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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, 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 closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, 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 sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters 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 may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to foes in its path.

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 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, 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 D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.