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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. 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.

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. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

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, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely 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. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – 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 enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters 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’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is 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. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.