🔗 Share this article

For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a hero and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, 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 elevated position or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks 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 this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking 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 mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.