🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. 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 aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, 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 her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, 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 elevated position or veer entirely 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 — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; 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 activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.