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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous 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 happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier 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 had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into 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, Thrusters.

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. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely 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 really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, 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.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, 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 D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.