🔗 Share this article

For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. 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 one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. 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 makes her stand out 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) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters 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 can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to enemies along the route.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, 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, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.