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Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance 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 pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers 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 strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while having the option to retreat 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 movility; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, after playing her for years, 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.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.