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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind 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. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill 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 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. 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’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think 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 a replacement for 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. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.