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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a hero 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 closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

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

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose 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 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.