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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: 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 close-quarters and mobility skill, 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 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it additionally deals harm to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. 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 serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking 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 movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.