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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a hero and an ability 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. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives 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 protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to enemies along the route.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as 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. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.