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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, 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. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, 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 change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — 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 it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, 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.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path 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 finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like 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 certainly not among them.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.