🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality 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) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts damage to enemies along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell 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 try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes 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’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, 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, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.