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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a character and an skill 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 more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level 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 prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to enemies 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 the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice 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 direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. 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.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.