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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous 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. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality 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, 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 elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — including 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 the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to enemies along the route.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. 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 finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off 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. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.