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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a character and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, 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 more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but another feature that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, 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, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers 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. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: 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 makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it also inflicts damage to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

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 better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, 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, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.