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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, 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 sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

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

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender 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 one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think that any 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 a long time. The truth is, after playing her for years, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.