🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, 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 my favorite class: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: 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 pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals damage to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.