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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a character and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However 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. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: 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 quite distinctive, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement 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 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.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals harm to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely 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 a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.