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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a character and an skill 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. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out 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) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. 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 brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, 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.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be 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 movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.