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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a hero and an skill 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. 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 defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but another feature that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: 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 alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

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

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.